COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (August 31, 2023) – The USA Basketball Foundation today announced the second Torch Leadership in Sport Mentoring cohort. A fully funded program, Torch Leadership will run from Sept. 2023 to May 2024.
Torch Leadership provides opportunities for minority students to be mentored by USA Basketball executive staff with the goal of empowering the next generation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) leaders in sport by introducing them to opportunities at USA Basketball and other sports-related entities.
“It is an honor to welcome our second Torch Leadership cohort to the USA Basketball family,” said Jennifer Lynne Williams, USA Basketball Foundation chief development officer. “The application process was extremely competitive with 130 students applying to be a part of this special program. The 120% increase in applications is a direct testament to the importance and value of Torch. I look forward to working with each student as they develop their leadership skills and learn more about the business of sport.”
The 2023-24 Torch Leadership cohort includes:
- Ashley Alexander, Alabama A&M University (senior)
- Assata Allah-Shabazz, Morgan State University (junior)
- Sydney Bellamy, Florida A&M University (junior)
- Na’Im Briggs, Howard University (junior)
- Taylor Crosland, North Carolina A&T State University (senior)
- Allen Donegan, Morehouse College (senior)
- Zaria Gabriel, North Carolina A&T State University (senior)
- Donovan Ruble, Dillard University (junior)
- Li Su, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (senior)
“Sports is just entertainment unless it delivers life lessons and character development,” said Gen. (R) Martin E. Dempsey, chair, USA Basketball Board of Directors. “That is the vision of the USA Basketball Foundation Torch Leadership Program. I encourage our second cohort to take advantage of this opportunity to learn and to grow and to challenge us to keep making a positive difference in each other’s lives.”
In addition to virtual mentoring opportunities with their designated USA Basketball mentor, students will hear from other industry leaders and have additional in-person learning opportunities over the duration of the program.
Application requirements included having a minimum GPA of 3.0; having a junior, senior or graduate-level standing at an HBCU, Hispanic-serving institution or AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions); and submission of a resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation.
For more information on Torch Leadership, click here.