ABOUT
Hoops and Dreams Camps (HDC) was born in 2014 when Lauren Taal returned from her first professional basketball season overseas. Having torn her ACL at a national team camp, she was in the process of completing rehab with the intention of continuing her professional basketball career.
In this time without basketball, she leaned on her network of friends and family, and ultimately discovered her village. Lauren's village is comprised of many of the same people today; those who support her through everyday challenges, empower her to keep chasing her dreams, and collaborate on all her endeavours.
Today's iteration of HDC has evolved from the 2014 version that set out to provide introductory basketball camps to elementary-aged students, to a collective of women who are passionate about helping athletes achieve their sport and life goals. This change in vision is represented with a slight name change to "Hoops and Dreams Collective"...the new HDC 2.0.
"The Collective" (which encompasses many former USPORT athletes who went on to achieve their life goals after their playing careers were completed), is a network of people that can not only help our athletes with their sport development, but also provide mentorship from real life experiences as a female athlete trying to accomplish their dreams.
HDC is dedicated to empowering female athletes through providing 1 on 1 training, small group skill sessions and team camps led by female coaches with elite-level playing and coaching experience. All of our coaches are former top-tier basketball players who have transitioned into coaching, bringing their extensive knowledge of the game and passion for developing the next generation of female talent.
Focused on building skill, confidence, and leadership, HDC’s coaching staff offers a supportive and collaborative environment where female athletes receive personalized, hands-on instruction.
At HDC, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities female athletes face in the world of basketball, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering space for growth.
Through individualized attention and a focus on building each player's strengths, we aim to help female athletes not only reach their athletic potential but also cultivate leadership, resilience, and confidence that extends beyond the game.
With HDC, female athletes get the chance to learn from those who have walked the path befoe them, training in an environment that promotes excellence, teamwork, and a shared passion for the game.
Mission
Hoops and Dreams Collective empowers young female athletes through elite basketball development, mentorship, and leadership training delivered by experienced female coaches.
Vision
To create a future where every girl has the opportunity, confidence, and support to reach her full potential on and off the court — using basketball to build leaders, break barriers, and inspire lifelong dreams. HDC is also a space where female athletes unite to give back to the game, creating a lasting cycle of mentorship and empowerment for the next generation.
LAUREN TAAL-DION
Founder & Head Coach
Originally from Lethbridge, AB, Lauren's love of sport started at a young age. Whether watching her older cousins in their many sport endeavours, attending her own practices, or spending time in the gym while her mom coached (with the University of Lethbridge Women's basketball team), many of Lauren's early memories involve the gym.
These experiences motivated Lauren in her athletic career, and ultimately influenced her decision to continue playing basketball at the post-secondary level at the University of Lethbridge. It was there she graduated as the leader in career steals, 2nd leading scorer in program history as well as the 2nd leading assist giver in program history. After graduation, Lauren went on to play three seasons professionally overseas.
After retiring from professional basketball, Lauren completed her MBA with a sport business specialization, and moved to Edmonton to work for multiple sport organizations. During that time Lauren completed multiple NCCP coaching courses, and was fortunate enough to assistant coach with the U15 girls Provincial team in 2016.
Most recently, Lauren has been an assistant coach with the Mount Royal University Women's Basketball program. Lauren is excited to continue coaching in a role that allows her to be in a gym developing athletes and helping them to achieve their goals.
CASSIDY TAAL
CAO & Coach
Cassidy Taal is a former U Sports and CCAA athlete and coach whose resilience and unwavering commitment to basketball have defined her journey in the sport. Despite a playing career impacted by injuries, Cassidy's passion, high basketball IQ, and leadership qualities set her apart both on and off the court.
Her transition from athlete to coach was marked by her selection to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Female Apprentice Coach Program for the 2017–18 season. As part of this national initiative to support the development of female coaches, Cassidy served as an assistant with the NAIT Ooks women’s basketball team. In this role, she brought a wealth of firsthand experience and a thoughtful, player-centered approach to coaching, grounded in perseverance and deep strategic insight.
Cassidy’s path through collegiate athletics—shaped by both adversity and achievement—gives her a unique perspective that resonates with the athletes she mentors. She possesses an innate ability to connect with anyone she coaches, meeting them where they are while inspiring them to believe in themselves and strive for growth. Beyond the court, Cassidy plays a key leadership role as a member of the executive team at HDC, where she continues to empower and elevate others through sport while making sure HDC is functioning at its best.
Stay Tuned...
Stay tuned for more updates and bios on our new coaching staff. Being announced soon!
WANT TO COACH WITH US?
Are you a former USPORT, CCAA or NCAA athlete who wants to share your passion for basketball and give back? Reach out to us for more information on how you can start coaching with HDC.