Rise Above and the Seattle Storm's Together We Rise: Legends Empower Youth at Center for Basketball Performance

By Bel Garcia and Mat Bermudez - In Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood, a powerful movement is taking shape. Rise Above, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth, is creating ripples of positive change. By partnering with iconic figures from the basketball world and the Seattle Storm, Rise Above offers young people opportunities they might otherwise never have.

Recently, an event at the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance brought together some of basketball's most recognizable names. The gym buzzed with excitement as kids from diverse backgrounds, including tribal communities and the city, gathered to learn from the best. This event was also part of the Storm’s “Together We Rise” program.

Fueled by support from Providence Swedish and Starbucks, the Seattle Storm's Together We Rise program, launched in 2024, brought its mission to life. This initiative aims to expand basketball access for historically marginalized youth, providing 600 of them with free clinics and camps annually. During this event, attendees gained valuable knowledge from special guests, covering both the realities of professional basketball and the critical importance of mental well-being.

"It's really special for our kids," said Jaci McCormack, Rise Above's Co-Founder. "I mean, to have trouble kids from the city, from the reservation, to be able to come in and see a facility where professional athletes are investing their time and, you know, crafting their game every day, it's, it's huge. We always say representation matters, and be able to see and feel and touch things, you know, changes kids' lives."

Indeed, the presence of basketball legends like Shawn Kemp and Joyce Walker made a profound impact. These weren't just fleeting appearances; these were genuine interactions, stories shared, and wisdom imparted. "It matters that we say this," McCormack emphasized. "Representation matters for the kids. To be able to see somebody who looks like them, who comes from where they come from, and reaching the most elite levels as an athlete is huge for them to be able to see that, because you really can't dream something if you can't see it themselves."

Vin Baker, another former Seattle Supersonic, echoed this sentiment. "It's about them," he said, referring to the kids. "Now they'll Google and they'll search it, but I think it's important for us to be here for them, to build them and to help them develop their character, whether it's in basketball, their personalities off the court. That's why we're here today."

The partnership between Rise Above and the Seattle Storm has been instrumental in amplifying this impact. Talisa Rhea, the Storm's General Manager, spoke passionately about the organization's commitment to community connection. "This was part of our vision," she explained, "building this facility right is the community connection and opportunity to be able to bring kids in and play with the pros and be inspired and motivated by that."

Rise Above, founded by Native sports legend and Nez Perce tribal member Jaci McCormack, addresses the disproportionate challenges faced by Native American communities, including high rates of unemployment, poverty, substance abuse, and mental 1 illness. Through education, prevention skills, sports clinics, and mentorship with tribal leaders, Rise Above aims to empower Native youth and create positive change.  

Beyond the on-court action, Rise Above addresses crucial issues like mental wellness. McCormack, who has been running these events for a decade, explained her motivation: "I see myself in them, first of all, and sport has the ability truly to make an impact and change the course of a kid's life."

Each participant received a giveaway bag which included a basketball, T-shirt, Starbucks gift card, mental health resource guides, and healthy snacks. On-site, Starbucks provided beverages and snacks for all to enjoy following the conclusion of the clinic.

As the Seattle Storm gears up for their upcoming season, the excitement is palpable. And with organizations like Rise Above and programs like Together We Rise paving the way, the future of basketball in Seattle looks brighter than ever.

This event was a powerful reminder that sports have the power to transform lives. Rise Above and the Seattle Storm, through Together We Rise, aren't just teaching kids how to dribble and shoot; they're instilling valuable life lessons, fostering hope, and creating a community where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.