Our Story & Why Kuyper Sports Is About More Than Just Winning

You could say basketball runs in our blood.

Over 40 years ago, my dad, Tom Kuyper, started running camps and clinics (Tom Kuyper Basketball Camp) in the Phoenix area. Thousands of kids came through those gyms—some to sharpen their jump shot, others to simply belong. But my dad wasn’t just building ball players. He was building character.

I remember being one of those kids-- first attending them like the rest, then becoming a coach to help younger kids develop skills. Then into my college years I played at ASU and went on to play professionally overseas. Basketball shaped me—but more than that, looking back, those camps shaped me.

Fast forward to today—2025. My dad has officially passed the ball to me. And now, with my wife Coley by my side (and our 7 kids in tow!), we’re stepping into this next chapter of what we're reimagining and calling Kuyper Sports.

But Here’s the Thing...

We don’t just want to run camps.
We want to build something that meets kids where they’re at and helps them grow in every way—emotionally, physically, and relationally.

We’re passionate about developing:

• Confidence that lasts beyond the court or field.
• Resilience that keeps showing up after the turnover.
• Emotional growth so kids know how to win (and lose) with heart.
• Team-building that reflects the kind of relationships we all need in life.

So as an extension of Kuyper Sports and what we're creating in person through our camps, we've started this blog and calling it Raising Healthy Competitors as a way for us to connect with parents like you and dive deeper into reshaping what it means to raise kids in the world of sports today.

Because it’s not just about creating champions on the court—
It’s about raising kids who can win in life, in relationships, and in who they’re becoming.

The Honest Truth

Honestly? I’m still learning this as I go.

We’re in the thick of it every day with our own kids—figuring out how to raise them with patience, empathy, and character (and many mistakes along the way). I’ve had proud dad moments... and moments where I was heated from the sidelines and had to apologize on the ride home. (You’ve been there, right?)

But the more I watch my kids compete, struggle, grow, and try again, the more I realize:

Raising emotionally healthy kids is the real win.
Even more than points on a scoreboard.

Why This Blog Exists

That’s why we started this blog.

To create a space where we can:

• Grow as parents, not just yell from the sidelines.
• Share stories, strategies, and encouragement—not perfection.
• Cheer each other on as we raise kids who are becoming whole, healthy humans.

So whether your kid has signed up for a Kuyper Sports camp—or you simply care deeply about who they’re becoming—we’re really glad you’re here.

Let’s keep learning.
Let’s keep showing up.
And let’s keep raising healthy competitors—together.

 Stay in Touch

If this resonates with you—if you’ve ever wondered how to raise a kid who’s confident, kind, and emotionally strong both in sports and in life— you’re not alone.

We’re just getting started with more resources, encouragement, and practical tools for parents like you through this blog, Raising Healthy Competitors.

Sign up for our email list here to get updates and stay connected on everything new we have coming for you.

Growing with you, 

-Shane and the whole Kuyper crew!