The Coaching Promise
Choosing a program for your student-athlete is about more than basketball; it is about finding a leader who demands the same integrity you do at home. I promise to lead with discipline and clear communication to build the foundation for their future success.
A WELCOME FROM COACH HUDSON
Your student-athlete’s growth is our priority. Let’s start the journey.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR/founder
Coach
Matthew Hudson
I’ve played basketball my whole life, along with other sports. But this game has always impacted me in life, and I want to share that love and passion for the game with the coming generations. From being at Terre Haute North in 2014, going into 2015. I moved around a lot in life leading up to this point in my life from Edgewood, other Bloomington schools. Never once did I make my middle school teams there. After North, I did move down south to Alabama/Georgia when I was 16 for a while cause of family troubles but was home schooled. I would play anywhere I could back then, outside goals at schools, churches, apartment buildings, parks. Anywhere I could to just play, face others to get better. Throughout my journey, I was often the one counted out, labeled as too small, and told ‘no.’ But those labels fueled me. I was an undersized guard known for my energy, shooting, and floor vision—a high-level player who earned every minute because I refused to stop working. I didn't play college ball, but that underdog mentality defined my heart and grit on the court.
The toughest part of my road was a serious right knee injury on saving a loose ball in an open gym going into my sophomore season, which put an end to my career at the time. Also not accounting for the health issues I have but didn't know of back then. Plus, issues I had with my father at the time resulted in me having to move across the country. I don't let those things affect my love for the game or the time and memories I had. But boy did a lot of that add some will to my power. Fast forward a little bit, some things in life happened and I ended up needing a completely rebuilt shoulder, went a couple years playing not even realizing how serious the injury actually was. But I needed a surgery to completely repair my shoulder, and physical therapy that was time consuming and dark. That cost me an almost five-year gap away from the game. I never thought I was going to be able to pick up a basketball again the same, shoot the same, drive the same, pass the same. I still to this day can't rebound the same. But you get the point. I think if Coach Jrod didn't reach out to me, I wouldn't have picked up a basketball, and thought I could still not only play the game I love still, but coach the future. That period of struggle deepened my resilience and taught me that leadership isn't just about the wins, or what you can achieve—it’s about how you rebuild when everything is taken away. I found my purpose in the dark times of injury, discovering that toughness and IQ are what truly carry you through life's hardest moments. For that I will always be grateful.
Today, I lead through discipline and accountability because I have walked the hard path. My mission is simple: I promise to be who I needed when I was younger—a role model and leader student-athletes can count on when times get tough. We aren't just teaching a game; we're building the foundation of who these young student-athletes will become. I'm here to ensure that every student-athlete who walks in my gym, or onto the court for this program learns the strength to own their journey, and leaves every ounce of heart they have out there.
Assisting Staff
“We should not have to push you to work hard. You should work hard because you want to be a great player.” - Bob Knight
Coach Jarrod Wampler
Assistant Coach/Originator
Coach "Jrod" Wampler is the heart of this program. He originally started this mission as Backyard Ballerz, and together we grew it into the Indiana Ballerz you see today. He shows true intention with every player, ensuring they have exactly what they need and always being there for them when it counts. He’s dedicated to supporting every player’s growth through consistent training and positive reinforcement, and he helps track effort and attitude in practice.
If this sounds like the right fit for your student-athlete, head to the Teams page or Contact section and reach out.
Coach Journey & Methodology
A snapshot of the grit and experience that define our program's leadership. These aren't accolades; they're the standard for every player we train.
Playing Background
An undersized shooter who played with relentless energy and floor vision. My career was built on the grit required to stay on the court when counted out. I bring that same standard of effort and discipline to every practice.
Expectations
From Players: Absolute effort and discipline on every set.
From the Coach: Clear communication and a relentless focus on player/team growth.
The Player Impact
Your student-athlete gains more than a coach; they gain a mentor who knows the value of grit. I teach them that technical skill and heart can overcome any deficit.
Coach Hudson's Promise
On Effort
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Give me 100% effort and a determined spirit—I'll handle the rest with honesty and detail.
On Growth
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Discipline isn't a punishment, it's a tool. Every rep, every drill, every talk is about helping your student-athlete grow on and off the court.
I promise to be who I needed when I was younger—a role model, a leader, and someone your student-athlete can count on when the road gets dark.