MARK MILLS
Mark is a basketball lifer. He was introduced to basketball when he was just six years old and has been obsessed ever since.
He has had many roles around basketball including playing and coaching. Mark was also part of the small team that launched and successfully operated the Leeds Force franchise in the BBL for three seasons. Currently, Mark is also a commentator for FIBA and has covered some of the biggest tournaments in the world including the World Cup, Eurobasket, Euroleague Women and the NBA’s first ever games in India.
Combining this passion and knowledge of basketball Mark will also bring corporate experience to help WY Basketball achieve its’ ambitions. Mark has previously worked for major global brands such as Puma, Levi’s and Kelloggs. He has also run his own commercial consultancy for over 10 years and recently completed his PhD in Marketing.
Mark will be responsible for creating a sustainable platform from which the WY Basketball organisation can grow.
GREG DOLAN
Greg started out in basketball at club level quite late at the age of 23. Although he had played at high school, it wasn’t until he picked up a basketball as a teaching assistant that the lifetime love of basketball took over.
This passion for basketball has culminated with Greg launching Spen Valley Vipers, which started with five guys playing outside in December on a wintery West Yorkshire court. It developed into three men’s teams, three junior teams and an U12’s community session. Greg was most recently awarded Basketball England’s Volunteer of the Year award for Yorkshire.
Greg knows that there is a huge reservoir of primarily untapped basketball potential in West Yorkshire and is excited to be part of West Yorkshire Basketball. Alongside his relentless basketball work Greg also as 12 years experience in education provision.
His passion and professional experience make Greg the perfect person to lead the community engagement side of the organisation’s activities.
Karen MILLS
Karen joined WY Basketball in September 2023, bringing along a diverse set of skills and experiences that have quickly proven vital to the organisation’s operations.
As a qualified dance teacher, Karen’s expertise in developing engaging physical activity programs for young people has been incredibly valuable. Her focus on inclusivity has been particularly beneficial for WY Basketball, aiming to make a stronger impact within the younger community members.
Her contributions to the commercial side of WY Basketball, honed through her previous work with prominent brands like Puma and USA Pro, have elevated the organisation’s projects, notably enhancing the game night experience for fans of West Yorkshire Hawks.
Karen’s role will have considerable influence across various operational areas within WY Basketball, ensuring her continued importance as the organisation strives to expand its positive impact in West Yorkshire.