Adam Brill has been involved with the organization for two years and serves as the Founder and Program Director of Jr. Bolts Basketball, in addition to his role as Head Coach of the Pius X Boys Basketball program. Professionally, Adam is a Physical Education and Health teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Pius X High School, where he brings his passion for teaching, player development, and leadership into both the classroom and on the court.

Adam has dedicated over 14 years to coaching basketball and developing student-athletes. This past season marked his fourth year as head coach at Pius X. Prior to returning to Pius, Adam served as head coach at Fairbury High School for one year and Norris High School for two years. In addition to his high school coaching experience, he has coached AAU basketball, led camps and skills clinics, and helped found three youth basketball programs, including Jr. Bolts Basketball. His commitment to building strong foundations for young athletes has been a consistent focus throughout his career.

As a player, Adam was a standout at Pius X, where he was a member of the 2004 Class B State Championship team and the leading scorer in the state tournament that year. He went on to play college basketball at Hastings College (NAIA) before beginning his coaching career as an assistant at Peru State College and eventually moving into multiple head coaching roles.
Adam became involved in Jr. Bolts Basketball as an extension of his role as the head coach at Pius X. He believes it is his responsibility to help grow the game, strengthen the Pius basketball program, and build a connected community that supports players long before they reach the high school level.

He is most passionate about building a youth basketball program that prioritizes player development and emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and pride in being a Bolt. Adam believes in creating an environment where young athletes can grow their skills while also developing confidence, character, and a love for the game.

Adam hopes players and families gain a strong sense of community and trust in a program that places kids and coaches at the center of every decision. He believes Jr. Bolts should provide a consistent, positive experience that prepares players not only for high school basketball but for life beyond the game.

To Adam, a positive youth sports experience is one that focuses on development first—using basketball as a tool to teach life lessons and build high-character individuals. He emphasizes creating opportunities for kids to learn, compete, and grow in a structured, supportive environment.

Adam hopes players carry important life lessons with them beyond the court, including taking risks, working hard, staying committed, embracing failure, and valuing teamwork. He believes these principles are critical not just in sports, but in all aspects of life.

Adam’s favorite basketball memories include winning the Class B State Championship as both a player in 2004 and as an assistant coach in 2019. Beyond the championships, he values the relationships built through years spent in the gym with players, coaches, and the basketball community. One of his most meaningful moments is having his daughter join him in the locker room after games—experiencing both wins and losses together.

Fun fact: Adam owns over 150 pairs of shoes—and often buys multiple pairs of the same style when he finds one he really likes.

Advice to young athletes: It’s okay to fail—don’t hide from your scars, learn from them. Stay true to what matters to you, block out outside noise, and commit to the work it takes to reach your goals.

Joe Easley has been involved with the organization for two years and serves as Treasurer and a co-founder of Jr Bolts Basketball. Professionally, Joe is the owner of Easley Freight Brokerage, where he applies his entrepreneurial mindset and business leadership to support the operational and financial health of the program.

Joe brings a lifelong basketball background and deep ties to the Lincoln and Pius communities. He grew up in Lincoln playing basketball and other sports before attending Pius X High School. Joe went on to play college basketball at Nebraska Wesleyan, continuing his passion for competition, teamwork, and athletics.

Joe became involved in Jr Bolts Basketball when his own children reached the age to begin playing competitive youth sports. Like several close friends from high school, he had strong thoughts about what a quality youth basketball experience should look like. Those shared ideas—focused on enjoyment, development, and values—helped lead to the creation of the program.

Joe is most passionate about maximizing kids’ enjoyment of basketball and youth sports overall. He believes that when kids truly enjoy playing, practicing, and learning, anything is possible. Without fun and passion, Joe feels it’s difficult for young athletes to reach their potential or experience the lasting joy sports can provide.

Joe hopes families and players walk away saying they loved every aspect of their Jr Bolts experience—and want to come back the next year. Beyond athletic improvement and mental toughness, Joe values the program’s emphasis on faith, friendships, and personal growth. He firmly believes Jr Bolts is about much more than teaching a child how to throw a ball through a hoop.

The Easley family has deep, long-standing roots at Pius X. Since 1977, Joe has had a sibling, niece, or nephew attending Pius every year—something he jokingly admits the school may or may not appreciate. He currently has two nephews who are seniors, one who is a junior, and another arriving next year. His own children will continue the family tradition in the years ahead.

Joe and his wife Sally have four boys—7th grade, 5th grade, 3rd grade, and kindergarten—who attend Cathedral of the Risen Christ. The older three participated in Jr Bolts this past year and loved their experience.

Being part of the Jr Bolts program has had a meaningful impact on Joe personally. While his family already had a strong community at their parish, the program expanded their circle—connecting them with families from North American Martyrs, St. Michael’s, St. Patrick’s, Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph’s, and St. Teresa’s. These friendships have enriched both his family’s life and his sons’ journeys long before they reach Pius.

Joe’s favorite basketball memory is watching his oldest son score his first basket as a kindergartener—a moment he still has on video. It reminded him how quickly time passes and how special it is to see his children begin their own basketball journeys, much like his own.

Fun fact: Since 1977, a member of Joe’s family has attended Pius X every single year—a streak that shows no signs of ending.

Advice to young athletes: Keep working and keep playing. It will pay off.

Ben Bixenmann has been involved with the organization for two years and currently serves as President. Professionally, Ben is a physician, bringing a thoughtful, disciplined, and team‑oriented approach to leadership within the program.

Ben has a strong basketball background rooted in the Pius X community. He played varsity basketball at Pius, graduating in 2001, and was a member of the 2000 State Championship team. He went on to play four years of college basketball at Hillsdale College, continuing his development as both a player and teammate. Ben has also spent the last 10 years coaching youth basketball, staying closely connected to the game and mentoring the next generation of players.

Ben became involved with the organization to help create a community of families who share similar goals for their children and their youth sports experience. He believes in fostering a love of the game first, allowing the development of important life skills and positive attributes that come through participation in sports as kids grow.

Ben is most passionate about keeping the focus of youth sports on what is best for the kids—not the adults. He is committed to maintaining the joy of the game for every player, ensuring kids can continue playing for as long as their interest and abilities allow.

Ben hopes players and families gain a different perspective on youth sports than what is often seen in other programs. He believes Jr. Bolts should always prioritize the kids while also offering flexible participation options that align with each family’s needs and goals.

Ben is married and has four children, three of whom have played basketball. His most memorable basketball experience was competing alongside the same group of teammates throughout junior high and high school—building lifelong friendships and ultimately achieving the shared goal of winning a state championship together.

To Ben, a positive youth sports experience looks like a group of kids who are excited to come to practice, spend time with their friends, and work hard to improve. It also includes a supportive group of parents who enjoy watching and cheering without placing unnecessary pressure on their children. He believes in providing this type of environment consistently, year after year, while keeping the program accessible and affordable for families.

Fun fact: Ben’s favorite basketball memory is winning a state championship with the same core group of teammates he grew up playing with—an experience built on years of friendship and shared commitment.

Advice to young athletes: Learn how to work hard for what you want in life. You may not always achieve your goal, but developing the ability to work hard toward it is the most important skill you can have.

Luke Kessler has been involved with the organization for two years and currently serves as Vice President. Professionally, Luke is the Vice President of Business Development at ABCS Insights, bringing more than 13 years of experience as a revenue and advertising executive specializing in enterprise sales, strategic partnerships, and go-to-market strategy for data, media, and measurement companies.

Luke brings a deep basketball background to the board. He was a member of the Pius X Boys Basketball 2000 Class B State Championship team and went on to play college basketball at Hastings College (NAIA) from 2001–2004. He continues to stay involved in the game by coaching youth basketball.

Luke became involved with the organization because of his passion for youth basketball and Pius X High School, as well as his role as a parent to three boys (8th grade, 3rd grade, and 1st grade). He is most passionate about building a youth basketball program that puts player development first—emphasizing fundamentals, teamwork, and pride in being a Bolt.

Luke hopes players and families gain a strong sense of community from the program and feel confident in an organization that prioritizes kids, coaches, and transparency in every decision. He believes a positive youth sports experience is built on honesty, development, and using basketball to teach life lessons that prepare kids for both high school and beyond.

Fun fact: Outside of basketball, Luke is an avid archery elk hunter and looks forward each September to unplugging and spending time in the mountains.

Advice to young athletes: Every player has a role and can make an impact on a team—find your role and be elite at it.

Amber Bissell has been involved with the organization for one year and currently serves as Secretary. Professionally, Amber is a Digital Account Executive for Hibu, where she helps local businesses grow by leveraging digital marketing strategies, online presence optimization, and advertising solutions to drive results.

Amber brings a unique and enthusiastic perspective to the organization through her background in athletics. She was a cheerleader and dancer in high school, giving her a strong appreciation for the game, team culture, and the energy that surrounds it. While her role wasn’t on the court, she understands the importance of support, school pride, and creating a positive environment for athletes to thrive.

Amber became involved with the organization through her passion for youth sports and her desire to contribute to something meaningful for families and kids in the community. As a parent, she values opportunities that help children grow not just as athletes, but as individuals surrounded by strong role models and positive influences.

Amber is most passionate about creating a youth sports experience where every child feels included, encouraged, and excited to participate. She believes sports should be fun, build confidence, and teach valuable life skills, while fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.

She hopes players and families gain a strong sense of community from the program and feel supported every step of the way. Amber wants every family to feel like they are part of something special—an environment where kids can grow athletically, socially, and emotionally while making lasting memories.

Amber and her husband have six children, creating a busy and fun-filled household centered around family, activities, and supporting one another. Being part of a large family has given her a deep appreciation for teamwork, patience, and the importance of creating positive experiences for kids.

To Amber, a positive youth sports experience is one where kids are excited to show up, feel supported by coaches and parents, and are encouraged to try their best without fear of failure. It’s about building confidence, celebrating effort, and making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

Being part of this organization has had a meaningful impact on Amber by allowing her to connect with other families in different parishes and contribute to a program that puts kids first. It has strengthened her sense of community and reinforced how important positive youth experiences are for both children and parents.

Travis Giesselmann has been involved with the organization for one year and currently serves as a Board Member and Sub-Committee Lead. Professionally, Travis is the Manager of Sales at gWorks, a software company that provides solutions for local government agencies, where he brings leadership, communication, and team-building experience to his role within the program.

Travis brings an extensive basketball background and passion for youth development to the organization. He played basketball from kindergarten through high school in Elkhorn before continuing his career at Nebraska Wesleyan. Over the past 15 years, he has worked at hundreds of youth basketball camps and officiated youth games for eight years during high school and college, giving him a well-rounded perspective on player development and the game.

Travis became involved with the organization as his two young boys began their basketball journeys. Growing up, he had the unique experience of playing with the same team from a young age through middle school under the guidance of a consistent coach, which helped build both skill and a sense of connection to the high school program. He saw Jr. Bolts as an opportunity to help recreate that experience—providing players of all ability levels with the chance to grow not only as athletes, but also in character and confidence.

Travis is most passionate about creating opportunities for every child to learn, play, and feel valued. He believes youth sports should be centered on fun, inclusion, and development, and that when kids feel supported and cared for, it leads to the most meaningful and rewarding experiences.

Travis hopes players and families view the program as an extension of their own family. He wants every participant to feel supported, valued, and like they truly belong within a community that prioritizes doing what is best for kids above all else.

Being part of the organization has rekindled Travis’s love for basketball in a new way. After spending over two decades focused on playing, this experience has given him a renewed sense of purpose—helping guide and positively impact the next generation of athletes.

Travis is a devoted Creighton basketball fan living in Lincoln, where Husker Red dominates. He and his wife have two young boys, and a newborn daughter while he proudly notes he outscored his wife by nearly 1,000 points in college, he admits he has never beaten her in a game of Around the World.

Travis’s favorite basketball memory as a player is recording Nebraska Wesleyan’s first triple-double in 40 years on the road against the No. 13 team in the country. As a parent, however, nothing compares to watching his son score his first basket in a real game—an unforgettable and emotional moment.

To Travis, a positive youth sports experience means kids are excited to attend practices and games because they enjoy being around their teammates, coaches, and community—and are already looking forward to the next opportunity before the current one is over.

Fun fact: Travis is a die-hard Creighton basketball fan living in the heart of Husker country—and still hasn’t beaten his wife in Around the World.

Advice to young athletes: There are many ways to impact a game. Being a great teammate and giving maximum effort matter more than anything else—and those habits start young and stay with you for life.