The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award “was created to recognize a WNBA player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a leader in the community where they work or live.”
The 2023 award recipient is Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell.
“The WNBA is extremely proud to see Kelsey recognized for her volunteer work and community impact,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Kelsey’s work with young people and families in her community continues to make an enormous positive influence, and she echoes the example set by Dawn Staley as a role model in sports. Along with her fellow WNBA players, Kelsey is dedicated to making the world a better place for the next generation.”
Mitchell founded the KelzHoop Foundation, which aims to encourage and support student-athletes with limited opportunities in their pursuit of playing competitive sports.
“As a player in the WNBA, we are always pushing to be recognized for what we can accomplish both on and off the court,” said Mitchell. “The Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is the pinnacle of what it means to be ‘more than an athlete.’ It is upon all of us to inspire the next generation to be the best people they can possibly be throughout all of our communities. I will carry the responsibility as a Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award winner with immense pride.”
Mitchell was chosen by a designated committee as the recipient of the award among a pool of other nominated WNBA players. The WNBA will make a $10,000 donation to the KelzHoop Foundation on behalf of Mitchell.
making an impact on and off the court. 👏
Congratulations to Kelsey Mitchell on being named the recipient of the @WNBA's Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her positive impact and dedication to the Indianapolis and Cincinnati communities.
📰 https://t.co/zhNLuwryIY pic.twitter.com/jOCngepztF
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 5, 2023
Throughout 2023, Mitchell participated in community events including the Million Meal Marathon, Season of Giving Dinner, the BIG Toy Giveaway, a Jr. NBA event in Louisville, Kentucky, Dick’s Sporting Goods Shop with a Pro and the Kroger Shoe Giveaway. She also traveled to two local Indiana high schools on National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) to share the impact sports have had on her life.
“Community service is a selfless act. With all of the pressures, travel and time away from family that players balance, they could easily make excuses on why they don’t have time to do anything extra,” Staley said. “You find the moments where you can utilize your platform to elevate others. You somehow find the energy to give because you know that you have the resources that communities need.
“Kelsey exemplifies what it means to have a servant’s heart. She is no stranger to being a community advocate and philanthropist or to this award. She is the first player to win the Dawn Staley Award in college and the WNBA and I am proud of the leadership she displays, on and off the court.”
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