SWIH Blaze Elite

Blaze Elite began in the summer of 2023, when founder Nolan Grebin was a junior in high school. It all started when a younger player asked Nolan if he would coach him and a group of friends so they could experience AAU basketball like Nolan had.

Nolan immediately began researching what it would take to start a team. He contacted parents, organized practices, registered for tournaments, planned fundraisers, designed and ordered jerseys, managed social media, and worked around everyone's schedules—all while continuing to make time for the players.

His goal from the beginning was simple: give local athletes more opportunities and help build a bright future for basketball in Stanton.

During the program's second year, Nolan opened tryouts to the public and quickly saw interest from players and families throughout the surrounding communities. As Blaze Elite continued to grow, SWI Heat reached out with an opportunity to partner.

Moving forward, the basketball program will be known as SWIH Blaze Elite, while SWI Heat's baseball, softball, and volleyball programs will continue under the SWI Heat name.

Nolan is excited to have the support and help of SWI Heat in running the basketball program. This partnership will allow SWIH Blaze Elite to offer more teams, serve additional age groups, and create more opportunities for young athletes across southwest Iowa.

What started with one kid asking to play summer basketball has grown into something much bigger—and we're only getting started.