ABOUT LTD
For over 23 years, Livin the Dream has positively impacted thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators through the game of basketball.
We have traveled to seven countries to host basketball camps and compete against international professional teams. Many of our players have advanced to the next level in their careers. We run basketball camps in the U.S. and abroad, offering competitive youth teams and high-profile leagues.
Teaching and Sharing
We've not only played the game but also taught it and shared Jesus with the world. LTD uses basketball to build goodwill and guide people to God, helping them discover His dream for their lives. This mission drives everything we do. It's more than just playing basketball; it's about helping people grow in faith and life.
Our Belief
Everyone is born with a dream that God plants within us at birth. This dream is something He wants to achieve through our lives. We may not always see or understand it right away, and it often takes years to realize. Sometimes, we misunderstand our dreams and focus only on ourselves. But when you have a true encounter with Jesus, everything becomes clear. Only then will you understand what you were created for!
Call to Action
Join us in our mission to use basketball as a tool for growth and faith. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or supporter, there's a place for you in Livin the Dream. Visit our website to learn more, sign up for a camp, or support our cause.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
TO SEE YOU EXCEL ON AND OFF THE COURT.
LEADERSHIP
We don’t just let anyone be part of LTD Leadership. We have highly qualified men and women, with not only the experience and skills to teach the game, but also strong character and a love for God and His people.
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Brad Mann is the Founder and CEO of Livin' The Dream Inc., a Christ-centered basketball ministry dedicated to helping athletes and coaches discover and pursue the unique purpose God has created for their lives. Since its founding in 2001, Livin' The Dream has impacted countless lives through the powerful combination of faith and sport.
Brad has competed at every level of the game. In high school, he was a four-year varsity letter winner, a McDonald's All-American nominee, and set school records in points, rebounds, and blocks. He still holds the Kansas all-time record for career rebounds.
At the collegiate level, Brad played NCAA Division I basketball for three years at the University of Missouri–Kansas City before transferring to Missouri Southern State University. There, he helped lead his team to the NCAA Division II Final Four and the best overall record in Division II basketball that season.
Following college, Brad played internationally with Athletes in Action, competing against top-tier professional teams around the world. He later signed professional contracts with the Fargo Beez and Salina Rattlers of the International Basketball Association (IBA).
Brad is a USA Certified Basketball Coach and an ordained minister. He served for over a decade on the pastoral staff at Westside Family Church, where he led a satellite campus of more than 1,000 attendees and oversaw the church’s prison ministry.
Brad has been married to Michelle since 2001. Together, they have a son named Braden. Brad holds a degree in Communications and oversees the day-to-day operations of Livin' The Dream.
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Dalaena Karlin joined the LTD Staff in 2021. She acts as a support to the entire LTD staff and helps handle the day to day operations of the ministry. She is very skilled in organization, resource development, and event planning.
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Gabe Jordan joined the Livin' The Dream staff in 2019 and serves as a Boys Coach and Skill Development Instructor for the LTD Programs. He is a native of Alexandria, LA and played collegiately at Mid-America Nazarene where he was a 4-year standout. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Nursing. Gabe is great with kids and loves to see them reach their full potential on and off the court.
EMAIL
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Jamelle joined the LTD Staff as a Youth Coach in the Spring of 2022. He is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Sumner Academy where he played basketball. He is a graduate of Kansas State University. After college, he served as a high school basketball coach for Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, KS. He is now a teacher and Assistant Coach at Turner High School in Kansas City, KS. Blunt is a teacher of the game. He loves to help kids gain a better understanding of the game, so they can reach their full potential. He desires to see each athlete prosper mentally, physically and spiritually.
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Justin Strickland joined the LTD Staff as a Youth Coach & Skill Development Instructor in 2014. He now serves as a Program Development Associate. Justin is a native of Kansas City, Kansas and was a collegiate standout at Culver-Stockton University (NAIA). Justin had the opportunity to compete on several International professional basketball tours following his college career. He has since devoted himself to ministry in the Urban core. Justin has 4 years of college Coaching experience at Kansas Christian College (NCCAA) with both the Men’s & Women’s teams. Justin brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and a passion for using sports to impact young lives for Jesus.
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Noah is a native of Topeka, Kansas and a recent graduate of Mid-America Nazarene University (MNU). Noah has worked with MNU Basketball and also serves in the Athletic Department at MNU.
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FOR A FULL LIST OF COACHES USE THE LINK BELOW:
In September 2018, LTD opened our new training center in the Diamond B Sports Complex where we conduct skill development, team practices, tournaments, leagues, and games. The LTD Training Center has served as a way to further our impact on athletes, coaches & officials in the Kansas City area. Having our own Training Center has been an exciting step in our journey and we believe God’s best is still yet to come. Weekly hours of operation vary.
TRAINING CENTER
CORPORATE PARTNERS
We are dedicated to a different approach to sports marketing. Our commitment is to become a partner with businesses in the community. We offer a very unique marketing vehicle that provides the perfect platform for you to showcase your business. Our goal is to increase brand awareness and promote your business so that you can reach your targeted market. Livin' The Dream has opportunities for your business to gain prime exposure by becoming an active partner within our various high-exposure programs. These opportunities will allow for the effective promotion of your business to thousands of people each year. Partnerships are available at various levels.
Companies can showcase their name and brand in front of thousands each year by advertising within every LTD program or within DREAM LEAGUE, one of the nation's largest Summer Pro-Am basketball leagues for High School, College & Professionals.
Contact us to learn about
Naming Rights • Digital Ads • Arena Signage • Teamwear • Print Ads • More
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Livin' The Dream partners with multiple organizations to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our community and beyond. Since 2001, we've worked with the organizations that inspired our formation: Athletes In Action (AIA) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to positively impact athletes and coaches all over the globe. We recently formed a partnership with Basketball Club International (BCI) to spiritually mentor current and former professional athletes and coaches. These are just a few of the many organizations we have partnered with throughout the years.
What our athletes and familes are saying…
“Love their message and the temperament of the coaching staff! True leaders of young men!” - BOB
“We love LTD! Our kids have been very happy! Great ministry, mission, and basketball.🏀” - STACEY
“LTD is a phenomenal organization! They are player development focused. They meet your child where they are at in their basketball journey and focus on making them the best version of themself both on and off the court!” - NATHAN
“We've had a great experience at LTD. Great coaches, great management, great approach to youth basketball for all levels.” - SHONDA
About Our Founder and CEO, Brad Mann
Brad Mann is the visionary founder of Livin' The Dream, Inc. With a rich history in basketball, Brad has played at all levels of competition. In high school, he was a four-year Varsity letter winner and a McDonald's All-American nominee, setting school records in points, rebounds, and blocks. He remains the Kansas all-time leader in career rebounds. Collegiately, Brad played NCAA Division I basketball at the University of Missouri-Kansas City for three years before transferring to Missouri Southern State University. There, he helped lead his team to the NCAA Division II Final Four and the best record in NCAA Division II.
After college, Brad toured internationally with Athletes In Action, competing against top-level professionals. He later signed contracts to play professional basketball for the Fargo Beez and the Salina Rattlers of the International Basketball Association (IBA).
Brad is a USA Certified Youth Basketball Coach and an ordained minister. He served on the pastoral staff at Westside Family Church for over 10 years, overseeing a satellite location of over 1,000 people and managing the WFC Prison Ministry. Brad holds a degree in Communications and oversees the day-to-day operations of Livin' The Dream. His comprehensive background in both basketball and ministry uniquely positions him to lead LTD in its mission to use the game of basketball to inspire and transform lives.