Countless Dreams.
Over Ten Thousand Teams.
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In 1986, Neal Holden and Nels Hawkinson turned their dream into reality by founding Basketball Travelers. As seasoned international basketball players, they didn’t just understand travel—they lived it. Their extensive experience playing overseas sets them apart from other travel companies. This is more than a business for them; it's in their blood.
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Our founders' deep understanding of both the sport and global travel set the foundation for Basketball Travelers, the premier host of international travel for Division I sports. This unique perspective ensures that every trip is meticulously planned to elevate the lives of collegiate athletes. Guided by our Christian faith, we believe in serving others with humility and love, inspired by the words of Jesus: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” - Mark 10:45.
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From serving 13 teams in our first year to over 10,000 teams today, our growth speaks to our commitment to excellence. We craft unforgettable journeys that blend sport, culture, and camaraderie, creating life-changing experiences for our clients. Our faith drives us to serve with integrity and dedication, ensuring every detail reflects our values of compassion and service.
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Our dedication is reflected in our loyal clientele: 90% of our teams choose to travel with us again. This isn’t by accident—it’s a testament to our unwavering support for athletes and coaches alike.
THE BTI FAMILY
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Nels Hawkinson
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nels is a prominent figure in the basketball community. Having traveled to over 76 countries to establish his international basketball network, he is widely acknowledged for his contributions to both U.S. and global basketball. Nels resides in Shoreline with his wife and colleague, Nancy. They have an adorable pup named Kobe, the resident mascot of BTI.
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Neal Holden
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Neal manages the business and administration at BTI, leveraging his computer expertise and systems analyst background to ensure smooth daily operations. He holds an MBA and has experience playing and coaching professional basketball in France and Norway. Neal lives in Bremerton with his wife, Linda.
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Jennifer Ashby
DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Jenn has dedicated over 25 years to Basketball Travelers, organizing tours across the world. She plays a crucial role in managing our RFP process and assists international student-athletes in obtaining travel documents for their foreign tours. Jennifer resides in Shoreline but her heart remains in the U.S Virgin Islands.
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Carlyn Wood
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC ADVANCEMENT
Carlyn is a talented project manager and event planner who has been doing contract work for Basketball Travelers for over 10 years. She has traveled to 37 countries and has been on the ground with Basketball Travelers across the globe. Carlyn lives in Shoreline with her husband where they excitedly await the arrival of their first child.
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David Knopp
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
David serves as a fan-favorite ambassador on international trips, offering pre-trip advisory support and ensuring seamless travel experiences. During travel, accompanied by his supportive wife, David ensures punctual arrivals and addresses any unexpected issues, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for every team and their fans.
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Nancy Hawkinson
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES
Nancy is a key figure in the travel and branding sectors. She excels at establishing relationships with vendors to enhance travel experiences for athletes, fans, and boosters. Known for her strategic approach to brand cohesion, Nancy ensures top-notch travel services. She lives in Shoreline with her husband and colleague, Nels.