Our Story
Building Leaders
Since 2016
"We believe every student-athlete deserves access to mentorship, community, and the tools to lead — in sports and in life."
How We Started
A Coach, a Borrowed Gym,
and a Big Idea
In 2016, former Division I basketball player James Carter was five years into coaching at a Chicago public high school. He saw the same pattern play out again and again: talented, driven young athletes — kids who understood discipline and sacrifice better than most adults — struggling to translate those skills beyond the sport they loved. Not for lack of ability. For lack of a bridge.
James left coaching to build that bridge. Rising MVPs launched with eight athletes, one volunteer mentor, and a borrowed gym on Chicago's North Side. The idea was simple: take what athletes already know — hard work, resilience, accountability to a team — and give them the mentorship, structure, and community to apply those qualities everywhere.
Eight years later, Rising MVPs serves over 500 student-athletes across 12 partner schools throughout Chicago. Our alumni are enrolled in colleges, launching careers, and returning to their neighborhoods as mentors themselves. The gym is bigger. The mission is the same.
Our Milestones
Founded in Chicago
First 50 Graduates
Launched Mentorship Network
Expanded to 12 Schools
500th Athlete Enrolled
500+
Athletes Empowered Since 2016
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Character First
We develop the whole person — not just the athlete. Character, integrity, and accountability are the foundation of everything we teach.
Community Rooted
We are from Chicago, and Chicago is in everything we do. Our athletes serve their neighborhoods and carry their city's spirit forward.
Excellence Always
We hold our athletes to the same standard champions hold themselves — not to be perfect, but to be relentless in the pursuit of their best.
The People Behind the Mission
Meet Our Team
A small, dedicated group of educators, coaches, and nonprofit professionals committed to Chicago's student-athletes.
Executive Director & Founder
James Carter
Former Division I basketball player and public school teacher, James founded Rising MVPs in 2016 after seeing firsthand how sports could transform young lives — but only when paired with intentional mentorship.
Director of Programs
Priya Nair
With a background in youth development and nonprofit management, Priya oversees all three core programs and leads Rising MVPs' school partnerships across Chicago.
Community & Mentorship Director
DeShawn Williams
A former NCAA Division I basketball coach, DeShawn built the Athlete Mentorship Network from the ground up and now manages relationships with 60+ professional mentors.
Development & Partnerships
Keisha Morgan
Keisha leads fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and donor relations. She has secured over $2.4M in grants and partnerships since joining in 2020.
Join the Movement
Ready to Rise?
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or partner with us — there is a place for you in the Rising MVPs community.