The WNBA players are always looking to give back to the community that helped them grow and work towards the goal of bettering the young ones. With such ideology in mind, El Pollo Loco teams up with Arike Ogunbowale to support the uplifting black girls & women initiative. Though this was a nationwide campaign, every player looked to at least give back to the city they grew up in. Former WNBA star Brittany Wilkins surprised her native kids.
She visited a tournament where the young ones were not even born at the time she was playing in the league. But the experienced player gave them a ‘mantra’ of success.
WNBA Star Brittany Wilkins Advice To Young Hoopers
Zion Lutheran Roundball Tournament might be a small tournament in many aspects, but the enthusiasm and excitement were high amongst the players and spectators. They got an even bigger surprise on Saturday as WWNBA star Brittany Wilkins visited the tournament premises and chatted with the young ones.
Giving them encouragement, she said, “Yeah, I mean, I think growing up, like, the WNBA was a very new thing, you know? So they’re growing up in a different era when the WNBA is now it’s pretty big. So I think for them to just be able to see a real live WNBA player, if they’ve never been to a game, you know.”
“I was never a superstar on a WNBA team, but to be on the team and to have a role and to understand and know my role. Just understanding that kids are going through that right now, even in their fifth-grade teams, their sixth-grade teams,” she added.
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The star’s focus was on a growth mindset and taught the kids that the fundamentals of being a good athlete aren’t all about their ability to play the sport. While Wilkin visited the tournament at her native place, there were many WNBA stars who conducted events or even competitions to encourage the basketball enthusiasts.
WNBA Players With Own Basketball Events
Sophie Cunningham is one player who cashes in on her popularity and conducts the ‘Sophie Cunningham Classic’ for people in Missouri. She recently expressed gratitude to her hometown after the massive success of the fourth annual classic tournament. Her Fever teammate, Kelsey Mitchell, also started an event honoring her late father, Mark Mitchell.
⏪ Relive all the moments with the 2026 Sophie Cunningham Classic Recap Video! Thank you to everyone involved who made this possible. We can’t wait to do it again! 🏆
— Sophie Cunningham Classic (@sophiecclassic) January 23, 2026
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A’ja Wilson runs mentorship programs for young girls and also runs the A’ja Wilson Foundation, which offers basketball camps and workshops. Skylar Diggins is involved with the “Her Time To Play” initiative.
While the league is constantly looking out for young stars, it is players like these who encourage and develop skills in young stars