Kelsey Plum described the launch as a very special moment. “Super excited to launch Kelsey Plum Foundation. Being in Los Angeles now with the Sparks, I feel like this is home. I just want to plant roots and start giving back to a community that has welcomed me with open arms. Just very grateful, so this is a special day today,” she said during the event.
The inaugural camp included basketball training sessions with the LA Sparks and a mental health workshop led by the organization Athletes for Hope. For Plum, the goal is not only to inspire girls and boys to stay active in sports but also to provide access to resources they might not normally have. “You know, being able to affect young kids, especially young girls, and hopefully possibly change their lives in terms of how they see themselves, and also give them access to resources that maybe wouldn’t have happened otherwise,” she explained.
With a microphone in hand, Plum also thanked attendees, encouraging everyone to have fun and expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and their presence. Her words reflected the spirit of the project, which aims to connect with youth on a human level beyond basketball.
A mission that goes beyond the court
The Sparks’ headquarters explained that the foundation is built on two pillars: access to sports and mental wellness. In addition to organizing camps, the plan is to provide support and resources to community organizations to expand its reach.
This is not Plum’s first effort to develop young athletes. In 2023, she launched her own “Dawg Class” camp, aimed at college players, marking the beginning of her path toward more structured social work. Now, with her foundation, she seeks to solidify that vision.
The Los Angeles event adds to community initiatives already promoted by the Sparks, such as the WNBA camp day or the youth tournament Balln on the Beach. With support from Under Armour and other organizations, Plum made it clear that the foundation represents a long-term commitment to the city and to the next generation of athletes.
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