MEET THE BE TEAM
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Hello everyone, I’m Ed, Head of the BE Select competition program.
I’ve been in Doha for 3 years, time flies when you’re having fun! My basketball experience & education came from 6 years in Spain where I coached many levels, worked under some incredible coaches & relished some of the best basketball development systems in the world. However, I am proudly Latvian have you seen us in world basketball lately?
I’m excited to keep helping players of all ages and abilities in Qatar learn basketball the right way while instilling vital life lessons. See you on the court soon!
COACH ED
Head Basketball Coach & Head of Select Program
Hi valued parents & players, my name is Ben Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of BE BASKETBALL.
Building this company has been one of the most rewarding ventures of my life, giving me the chance to work with incredible people from all over the world. Alongside my mentor, best friend & soulmate, Coach Eric Gardow (the E to my B), we created our dream basketball school that quickly became a market leader with international camp pathways. I also couldn’t be happier with the amazing team of staff we have to serve & inspire the community – it’s a real global family here at BE!
BEN SMITH
Co-Founder & CEO of BE SPORTS
BE Trained By The Best!
Alongside Coach Ben Smith in 2015 through a shared love for inspiring others. Eric was a true leader who inspired others through education, motivation and mentorship. Life blessed us all at BE BASKETBALL during our time with Eric as he shared multiple lessons with us, on and off the court.
ERIC GARDOW
Co-Founder of
BE SPORTS (1968-2019)
Hello families! I’m Julia, half Vietnamese & half Slovakian. My basketball journey began in Europe, where I progressed to professional play, and later I channeled my passion into coaching kids in Vietnam. There, I met Coach Ben and helped deliver the country’s first Jr. NBA events in both the South and North. I then spent 3 years in Beijing coaching for the largest basketball training company before starting my chapter in Qatar with BE BASKETBALL in 2018.
As Head of the Girls Program at UDST, I’m excited to keep motivating children and young people on the court to become their best selves!
COACH JULIA
Head of Girls Basketball
Hola athletes & parents! I’m Vitor, originally from Rio, Brazil, where I played college basketball, started my own training company, and developed as a Head Coach. I’ve been with BE BASKETBALL for over 6 years, and it’s been an incredible journey! I’m especially excited about creating the DDL - The Doha Development League, giving players aged 8-18 the experience and skills to play, enjoy, and grow.
I now oversee the DDL, and serve as Head of the Hamilton campus and QFiS development. Can’t wait to see you on the court battling it out soon!
COACH VITOR
Basketball Coordinator & Head Coach
Hi everyone! I’m Alyson Dopfer. With years of experience in international schools and working with external providers.
I’m here to make sure every player has a smooth, fun, and exciting start to their basketball journey with us!
ALYSON DOPFER
Customer Experience Manager
Hi everyone, I'm Coach Ratoul originally from Algeria. I've had the fortunate opportunity to work in the US on huge summer camps, supporting players from all over the world to be seen and develop as a player. I've also worked at the Algerian Basketball Federation on projects such as the National 3X3 program and supporting the country's overall youth basketball initiatives.
I'll be managing the BE Minis
Program across Doha, as well as our Development Program at Swiss School.
COACH RATOUL
Marketing Coordinator & Head of BE Minis
Building this company has been one of the most rewarding ventures of my life, giving me the chance to work with incredible people from all over the world. Alongside my mentor, best friend & soulmate, Coach Eric Gardow (the E to my B), we created our dream basketball school that quickly became a market leader with international camp pathways. I also couldn’t be happier with the amazing team of staff we have to serve & inspire the community – it’s a real global family here at BE!
Co-Founder & CEO of BE SPORTS
BEN SMITH
Alongside Coach Ben Smith in 2015 through a shared love for inspiring others. Eric was a true leader who inspired others through education, motivation and mentorship. Life blessed us all at BE BASKETBALL during our time with Eric as he shared multiple lessons with us, on and off the court.
Co-Founder of BE SPORTS (1968-2019)
ERIC GARDOW
Hello everyone, I’m Ed, Head of the BE Select competition program.
I’ve been in Doha for 3 years, time flies when you’re having fun! My basketball experience & education came from 6 years in Spain where I coached many levels, worked under some incredible coaches & relished some of the best basketball development systems in the world. However, I am proudly Latvian have you seen us in world basketball lately?
I’m excited to keep helping players of all ages and abilities in Qatar learn basketball the right way while instilling vital life lessons. See you on the court soon!
Head Basketball Coach & Head of Select Program
COACH ED
Hello families! I’m Julia, half Vietnamese & half Slovakian. My basketball journey began in Europe, where I progressed to professional play, and later I channeled my passion into coaching kids in Vietnam. There, I met Coach Ben and helped deliver the country’s first Jr. NBA events in both the South and North. I then spent 3 years in Beijing coaching for the largest basketball training company before starting my chapter in Qatar with BE BASKETBALL in 2018.
As Head of the Girls Program at UDST, I’m excited to keep motivating children and young people on the court to become their best selves!
Head of Girls Basketball
COACH JULIA
Hola athletes & parents! I’m Vitor, originally from Rio, Brazil, where I played college basketball, started my own training company, and developed as a Head Coach. I’ve been with BE BASKETBALL for over 6 years, and it’s been an incredible journey! I’m especially excited about creating the DDL - The Doha Development League, giving players aged 8-18 the experience and skills to play, enjoy, and grow.
I now oversee the DDL, and serve as Head of the Hamilton campus and QFiS development. Can’t wait to see you on the court battling it out soon!
Head Basketball Coordinator & Head Coach
COACH VITOR
Hi everyone, I'm Coach Ratoul originally from Algeria. I've had the fortunate opportunity to work in the US on huge summer camps, supporting players from all over the world to be seen and develop as a player. I've also worked at the Algerian Basketball Federation on projects such as the National 3X3 program and supporting the country's overall youth basketball initiatives.
I'll be managing the BE Minis
Program across Doha, as well as our Development Program at Swiss School.
Marketing Coordinator & Head of BE Minis
COACH RATOUL
Hello everyone, I’m Ed, Head of the BE Select competition program.
I’ve been in Doha for 3 years, time flies when you’re having fun! My basketball experience & education came from 6 years in Spain where I coached many levels, worked under some incredible coaches & relished some of the best basketball development systems in the world. However, I am proudly Latvian have you seen us in world basketball lately?
I’m excited to keep helping players of all ages and abilities in Qatar learn basketball the right way while instilling vital life lessons. See you on the court soon!
Alongside Coach Ben Smith in 2015 through a shared love for inspiring others. Eric was a true leader who inspired others through education, motivation and mentorship. Life blessed us all at BE BASKETBALL during our time with Eric as he shared multiple lessons with us, on and off the court.
Building this company has been one of the most rewarding ventures of my life, giving me the chance to work with incredible people from all over the world. Alongside my mentor, best friend & soulmate, Coach Eric Gardow (the E to my B), we created our dream basketball school that quickly became a market leader with international camp pathways. I also couldn’t be happier with the amazing team of staff we have to serve & inspire the community – it’s a real global family here at BE!
HEAD OF BASKETBALL COACH & HEAD OF SELECT PROGRAM
COACH ED
Hello everyone, I’m Ed, Head of the BE Select competition program.
I’ve been in Doha for 3 years, time flies when you’re having fun! My basketball experience & education came from 6 years in Spain where I coached many levels, worked under some incredible coaches & relished some of the best basketball development systems in the world. However, I am proudly Latvian have you seen us in world basketball lately?
I’m excited to keep helping players of all ages and abilities in Qatar learn basketball the right way while instilling vital life lessons. See you on the court soon!
Alongside Coach Ben Smith in 2015 through a shared love for inspiring others. Eric was a true leader who inspired others through education, motivation and mentorship. Life blessed us all at BE BASKETBALL during our time with Eric as he shared multiple lessons with us, on and off the court.
Building this company has been one of the most rewarding ventures of my life, giving me the chance to work with incredible people from all over the world. Alongside my mentor, best friend & soulmate, Coach Eric Gardow (the E to my B), we created our dream basketball school that quickly became a market leader with international camp pathways. I also couldn’t be happier with the amazing team of staff we have to serve & inspire the community – it’s a real global family here at BE!
HEAD OF GIRLS BASKETBALL
C0ACH JULIA
Hi everyone! I’m Alyson Dopfer. With years of experience in international schools and working with external providers.I’m here to make sure every player has a smooth, fun, and exciting start to their basketball journey with us!
Customer Experience Manager
ALYSON DOPFER
