By Bel Garcia and Mat Bermudez - In Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood, Rise Above, a nonprofit empowering Indigenous youth, is making an impact through basketball. Partnering with the Seattle Storm and its Together We Rise program, the organization brings mentorship, representation, and opportunity to young athletes.

At a recent event, kids from tribal and city communities trained with legends like Shawn Kemp, Joyce Walker, and Vin Baker. "Representation matters," said Jaci McCormack, Rise Above Co-Founder. "Seeing professionals who look like them inspires these kids to dream bigger."

Supported by Providence Swedish and Starbucks, Together We Rise provides free clinics to 600 youth annually. The event also emphasized mental wellness, with giveaways including basketballs, Starbucks gift cards, and health resources.

As the Storm prepares for the season, Rise Above continues to use basketball to uplift youth, proving that sports can change lives.