I just wanted something in town where every kid could come play basketball. No pressure, no cost—just the chance to fall in love with the game, like I did.”

Aaron Wickboldt

To learn more, visit www.hastingsmnrotary.com

On any given Sunday evening in Hastings, while most families are winding down their weekends, Aaron Wickboldt and a handful of volunteer coaches are just getting started. Armed with a whistle, a clipboard, and a deep love of basketball, Wickboldt is helping a gym full of bouncing kids discover not only how to dribble and shoot—but also how to grow into kind, confident people.
Wickboldt, a longtime physical therapist at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, has lived in Hastings for 11 years. But it’s his second full-time job—founder and leader of the Hastings Hoops Factory—that recently had him speaking at the Hastings Area Rotary Club’s weekly breakfast meeting.
“I just wanted something in town where every kid could come play basketball,” he told the group. “No pressure, no cost—just the chance to fall in love with the game, like I did.”
Originally from Clayton, Wisconsin, Wickboldt was a high school all-star and went on to play college ball at St. Scholastica. After moving to Hastings, he noticed a gap in youth basketball opportunities—especially for younger kids and families who couldn’t afford club fees.
So, in September 2023, with the help of fellow coaches and the local basketball boosters, he launched the Hoops Factory: a free clinic for kids in kindergarten through fourth grade. The first session brought in around 15 eager players. Today, it’s closer to 50 at each event, with more than 90 kids signed up overall.
“There’s something really special about seeing a first grader figure out how to pass to a teammate,” he said. “You can see their confidence build right in front of you.”
Held at local schools like McAuliffe, the high school, or the middle school, the program is volunteer-powered and community-supported. Parents help coach, high school varsity players assist with drills, and the basketball boosters cover gym rental costs. Kids don’t need to bring anything, not even a ball.
“We make it as easy as possible,” Wickboldt said. “Just show up ready to have fun.”
Teamwork is a major focus, even for the littlest players. Wickboldt splits the kids by age, teaching kindergartners and first graders the basics of passing and awareness, while third and fourth graders work on achieving goals as a unit. “We talk about ‘Hastings GRIT’—Growth mindset, Resilience, Integrity, and Teamwork,” he said, grinning at the acronym he proudly coined.
Along the way, the program has added some fun traditions: summer “Hoops and Scoops” events at Pioneer Park (yes, there’s ice cream), group trips to Timberwolves games, and halftime dribble showcases at high school varsity games. The kids even got to high-five Wolves players in the tunnel this year—an experience that had Wickboldt’s own son talking about it all week.
“He played one-on-one with Owen Bernatz, one of the varsity players, for like 15 minutes,” Wickboldt said. “He thought it was the coolest thing ever. Now, every time we go to a game, he’s like, ‘There’s my favorite player!’”
For many young athletes, Hoops Factory is just the beginning. Some kids have moved into the traveling program, where Wickboldt now serves as president of the basketball boosters. Teams are already racking up wins: his first and second grade team went 15–1 this season, beating top squads from places like Eagan, Hudson, and Hopkins. Third graders won a tournament in Apple Valley. Fourth graders? Ranked top ten in the state.
But for Wickboldt, it’s not about trophies.
“Basketball taught me so much about life,” he said. “It taught me how to work hard, be a good teammate, and push through challenges. That’s what I want to pass on.”
Of course, success comes with its own set of challenges. As interest grows, so does the need for gym space and volunteers. Court time is tough to secure, especially when many of the parent coaches are juggling practices and games for multiple teams.
That’s why Wickboldt strategically runs Hoops Factory on Sunday nights, when fewer conflicts arise—but even then, he relies on a rotating cast of helpers.
“I send out a group message to about 18 coaches each week and just hope enough people can make it,” he said. “Then I draw up a practice plan the night before and plug everyone into stations—dribbling, passing, shooting, defense. It’s organized chaos, but it works.”
He’s also looking for ways to connect with more families. When Rotary members suggested involving Hoops Factory in the Rivertown Days, Wickboldt lit up.
“Oh, I love that idea,” he said. “I want everyone to have a basketball in their hand. Let them try it, see if it clicks. You never know what it might lead to.”
To learn more or get involved, residents can visit the Hastings Basketball website. And if you’re wondering whether you need top-tier basketball skills to volunteer—don’t worry.
“Just bring a good attitude,” Wickboldt said. “The kids will take care of the energy.”
And judging by the noise level on Sunday nights, that part is already covered.
The Hastings Area Rotary Club meets most Thursday mornings at the Second Street Depot from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with breakfast served 7:30-8 and a local guest speaker from 8-8:30. During the school year, one meeting a month is dedicated to the Rotary Student of the Month. The club is service driven for the Hastings area and is always looking for new members, to learn more, visit www.hastingsmnrotary.com