Eryk Thomas

Eryk Thomas is a former collegiate and professional basketball player with a wealth of international experience, having played in 9 different countries. His passion for the game and deep understanding of high-performance athletics inspired him to establish Hand Up Elite (H.U.E.), a basketball skill development company that emphasizes skill-building, conditioning, and competitive play. Eryk’s dedication to fostering growth in athletes is evident through his tailored training approach and commitment to helping players reach their full potential.


Beyond basketball, Eryk is an experienced Fitness Professional who has spent years in roles that focus on client engagement, team development, and operational excellence. His leadership skills and commitment to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals make him a valuable asset in the sports performance and wellness sectors.

Crystal Thomas

Crystal Thomas, co-founder of Volleyball H.U.E., brings extensive experience as a former Division 1 volleyball player and 7-year professional athlete in Europe. She has over two decades of coaching and player development experience, including a decade in collegiate coaching. Currently, she travels nationwide as a lead coach for Gold Medal Squared volleyball clinics, conducting training sessions from Alaska to Florida. Crystal’s expertise in both coaching and fitness uniquely complements H.U.E.’s mission, making the organization a standout in multi-sport athlete development.