Kathmandu, Nepal – Premier International IB Continuum School recently hosted a high-impact basketball masterclass led by internationally renowned coach, mentor, and sports development leader Nels Hawkinson. The session brought together Premier’s school basketball teams (girls and boys) and players from the Premier Sports Academy Basketball Program, reflecting the school’s commitment to holistic student development through sport.

A former player and coach at Trinity Western and Seattle Pacific University, Nels Hawkinson later became a global basketball mentor through FIBA Olympic Solidarity and USA Basketball leadership roles. The one-hour masterclass drew from Hawkinson’s decades of international coaching experience and focused on building on-court endurance, sharpening game intelligence, strengthening fundamentals, and applying practical techniques in real match situations. Beyond technical skills, the session emphasized the importance of pushing through challenges, staying disciplined, and making the most of every opportunity presented to athletes.

Hawkinson also encouraged players to look beyond the scoreboard and understand how mindset, preparation, daily habits, and decision-making off the court directly influence performance on it. Students described the experience as humbling and eye-opening, sharing that the session helped them shift focus from short-term wins to long-term growth, resilience, and personal responsibility as athletes.

The masterclass was made possible through the collaboration and support of the University Sports Association of Nepal, whose partnership helped bring this valuable global learning experience to Premier’s student-athletes.
Sports education goes hand in hand with character-building and life skills at Premier. By engaging students with experienced global mentors, the school continues to create meaningful opportunities that nurture confident, disciplined, and reflective learners, reinforcing the belief that true success in sport and life comes from commitment, character, and continuous growth.