Greensboro Swarm Launches Rookie/Vet Program to Empower Local Youth Through Mentorship

The Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, is excited to announce the launch of its new Rookie/Vet Program.

This initiative aims to provide mentorship and leadership development for young students in the Greensboro community, with a special focus on youth growth through the sport of basketball.

In partnership with Beyond Sports’ Beyond Recess Program, the Swarm will work closely with Washington Elementary School to connect Swarm players with local youth, fostering personal growth, inspiration, and positive role models.

The program is designed to create an opportunity for young students to learn not only about the game but also about life skills and leadership through mentorship.

The inaugural class of the Rookie/Vet Program will consist of six students currently enrolled in fourth and fifth grades at Washington Elementary. These students were selected after a thorough application process that required them to write an essay explaining why they wanted to be part of this exciting new program.

“This partnership with the Greensboro Swarm’s Rookie to Vet Program and Beyond Sports’ Beyond Recess Program will be transformative for our students,” said Paul Travers, Principal of Washington Elementary.

“It opens up new opportunities and breaks down barriers for our students, introducing them to a world full of possibilities they may not have had access to otherwise.”

Throughout the program, Swarm players will serve as mentors to the students, offering encouragement, guidance, and educational support. The program aligns with the Swarm’s core community pillars of education, health, and wellness, and aims to promote community engagement and youth development, using basketball as a powerful tool for positive change.

Mike Kennedy, co-founder of Beyond Sports, expressed his enthusiasm for the program: “It truly is an honor to partner with the Greensboro Swarm on such an impactful initiative.

The experience for our students in the Beyond Recess program elevates their access to leadership opportunities and exposes them to community members who genuinely believe in them and are committed to helping them grow.”

The program will feature interactive basketball development and mentorship sessions throughout the remainder of the 2024-25 season. By instilling confidence, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, the initiative aims to equip the next generation with essential life skills. After the season ends, the mentorship will continue, offering students the chance to connect with the Swarm’s business staff and explore new perspectives on the business side of basketball.

The Greensboro Swarm is dedicated to ensuring that the Rookie/Vet Program becomes a lasting and expanding initiative, helping to foster the development of future leaders within the Greensboro community.