Derray Ward 

Founder/Program Director/Coach/Player Development Trainer

As the founder and Program Director, Derray (Coach Ward) invests his heart, soul, and time into each and every youth that he encounters. Ward played basketball at Como Park high school, North Hennepin Community College, and currently plays in charity games and men's leagues around the twin cities. With over 25 years of basketball experience; playing, coaching, and being a fan of the sport. Derray envisioned a mentorship program that would not only enhance basketball skills but also provide guidance, support, and life skills to young individuals facing various challenges.

Growing up in a community where opportunities were limited, Derray experienced firsthand the impact that sports can have on a young person's life. Inspired by his own journey and fueled by a desire to pay it forward, he founded "Forward Thinking Foundation." He is currently the Head Coach for Boys C-Squad at Hiawatha Collegiate Academy(2024-25).

"In the end the results, will always RESULT!"

- Coach Ward

Abdul Kunert

Board Vice Chair

of Nonprofit Organization

"I love to give back to the community any chance that I get. I've been active in communities across the Twin Cities for over 15 years. Hosting events, turkey drives, and much more. It brings me joy and fulfilment. So the idea to be a part of Forward Thinking was brought to me by Derray, it was a no brainer. I guess it helps that we've been friends for 20 years hahaha..."

Blake Gibson

President of Basketball Operations/Coach/

Board Member

"I simply love the game and it's a way for me to give back to the kids."

Blake played Juco basketball at Angelina College in Lufkin, Tx. He has 5 years of coaching experience. Blake has been with Forward Thinking staff since the start of the program. Coach Blake coached our 4th grade boys this past season and looks to return and coach our boys, class of 2032.

Dominique James

Treasurer/Coach/

Board Member

"I enjoy the game of basketball, teaching the kids, and watching them become better as a team."

Dominique has 10 years of coaching experience. She has been with Forward Thinking since the start up. Because of her support and dedication to Forward Thinking, Dominique has been appointed Treasurer. Coach James will return to coach our girls, class of 2029.

Candice Butler

Vice President of Basketball Operations/Coach/

Board Member

"I played basketball my whole life it's always been my first love. I love to teach the youth life skills and be an example of getting the job done while you're able to! ...once your glory years are over, you can't redo them."

A graduate of South high School, played on the girls basketball team from 2002-2006. Coach Candice has 4 years of coaching experience. She is currently the Head Coach of the Girl's C-Squad Basketball Team at Roosevelt High School. She joined the FTB coaching staff in 2024. She will return to coach our girls for the 2nd year to coach our girls, class of 2026.

Jenna Wykle

Coach/Board Member

"Coaching is an opportunity to not just teach kids a game but to have an impression on who they are as people. I believe when you have a gift or talent that you should cultivate it and share it when the opportunity arises. Coaching has become that for me. I don’t know it all but what I do know, I love to pass along to help kids become the best they can be."

Coach Jenna has played the game of basketball her whole life and coached in various roles for the last 6 years. This will be her 2nd year with FTB coaching staff. She will return to coach our 15U Girls, class of 2029.

Katie Flanigan

Board Member

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Vance Ross

Coach

"I want to give back to the community and help mentor the youth."

Coach Ross will be returning to FTB to coach our 16U Boys, class of 2027.

Dominique King

Coach

"Coaching to me isn’t just about teaching the game, it’s about guiding the youth toward a better future. Through basketball, my goal is to help keep kids off the streets and away from negative influences and also providing them with a constructive outlet for their energy and emotions...As a coach, I have the chance to be a mentor."

Coach Dom has been coaching for approximately 5 years. She serves as a Human Resource Business Partner at Hennepin Tech, where she is dedicated to supporting and developing others in their careers. Coach Dom will join forces with Coach Blake in coaching our 11U Boys, class of 2032.

Marcus Lynn

Coach

Floyd Daniels

Coach

"I work in schools from middle school to high school and love guiding our youth in the right directions in life. I know that coaching, teaches discipline and guidance in life. I love coaching the game of basketball due to my experience and beneficial experiences that it has done with me on my life."

Coach Daniels played basketball at Burnsville High School graduated in '03. He then played at Minneapolis Community & Technical College for 2 years and received a scholarship at Lynn University in Boca  Raton, Florida. Later transferring to St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas to finish his college career. This will be Coach Daniels first year with FTB. He will coach our 13U boys, class of 2030, with Coach Ahmed.

Ahmed Abdullah

Coach

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Coach Ahmed has been involved with the program since it was established. He has children that have participated in the program. He is no stranger to the game of basketball. He will join forces with Coach Daniels to coach our 13U boys, class of 2030.

Jonathan Giadyu

Board Member

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Coach

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Coach

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