We help you and your parents find a suitable school in America. Meet the team that guides you, including after your arrival in the U.S.
Meet the teamEveryone brings different experience. Together we help athletes and parents find their way.
Founder & advisor
Brian brings his own experience of playing basketball and studying in the United States. He guides players and families toward a fitting next step.
His experience at East Mississippi Community College and the guidance he lacked there became the foundation of Ball on Board. He wants to help young athletes prepare for a new country, a higher level of competition and different expectations.
U.S. advisor & representative
Michael, currently head coach of girls' basketball at The Shipley School, has many years of experience coaching basketball at high school, AAU and college level in the United States. From America, he puts his expertise and network to work for Ball on Board as a consultant and representative, guiding young talent.
For Michael, basketball is more than a game: it is a way to build confidence, encourage teamwork and help people reach their potential. With his broad background in talent development, he helps student-athletes prepare for the American basketball and education system. He wants to inspire athletes to achieve their goals both on and off the court.
Head administrator
Paulien supports the administrative side of Ball on Board and draws on her own experience living abroad to help student-athletes with their next step.
Paulien understands the challenges of living abroad. She helps players and parents prepare the administrative side of their journey with care.
Advisor
Freek's love of basketball began at a young age. When his own children studied in the U.S., he saw how the sport helped them grow on and off the court. Now, as a coach, he passes his experience on to a new generation of players.
For Freek, basketball is more than a sport: it helps young people work together, develop discipline and discover their potential. He wants to inspire the next generation to grow as players and people.
Basketball events coordinator
Gregory brings years of coaching and event experience. He creates basketball experiences that inspire young athletes and bring people together.
Basketball taught him discipline, responsibility and teamwork. It is a big part of home life too: his three children play or played basketball, and his wife coaches. He wants to create moments that matter on and off the court.
Brian’s own path through the American school system is the foundation of Ball on Board.
Brian began playing basketball at the age of ten and later played at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), known from the Netflix series Last Chance U. After a fantastic year at EMCC, he had an excellent transfer offer lined up. It was only during that transfer process that he was told he would no longer be eligible to play under the rules at the time.
In hindsight — looking back at the entire journey — it turned out that he had in fact been eligible. At that crucial moment, he lacked the right knowledge and guidance to demonstrate this.
That personal experience was the direct inspiration for founding Ball on Board. We make sure young athletes and their families receive the expert guidance they need to find a suitable high school, prep school or college.
We look at the whole picture: development on the court, education, personal growth and a path that truly fits the player.
“The beauty of our sport lies in teamwork: five players playing as one team.”Coach K.
The best part of our work is seeing young athletes grow and helping them turn their talent into real opportunities.
Brian RiesmeijerFounder of Ball on BoardWe would be glad to tell you more about Ball on Board and think through your options with you.