ABOUT RISE
TOGETHER WE RISE
RISE Sports Academy is a nonprofit sports and fitness organization dedicated to the mental and physical health of our members. Our vision is to create a future of responsible and healthy individuals by building confidence and self-worth through sports and enrichment programs.
Our elite girls and boys youth basketball club based in Los Angeles provides hands-on training in a challenging and fun environment and focuses on player development, strength and conditioning, and the fundamentals necessary to play at the next level.
The RISE program is led by former D-1 and professional basketball player Chris Rodgers. His passion for basketball is reflected in his coaching style and his enthusiasm for educating youth. With 15+ years of coaching and 20+ years of playing experience, along with one national German championship coaching title, Coach Chris has put together a program and staff that provides personal instruction, motivation, and detailed development for each player.
Come to one of our practices and experience our level of coaching and team spirit!
MISSION
To empower our community to become confident, intelligent, and thoughtful leaders of the next generation through sports and enrichment programs.
VISION
At R.I.S.E., our vision is to Raise Individuals to Strive for Excellence.
We hope to create a future of responsible and healthy individuals both mentally and physically by building confidence and self-worth.
As a team, our coaches, players, families, and volunteers work with unyielding spirit to cultivate a safe and disciplined environment so that every person can reach their full potential by developing attributes such as confidence, leadership, integrity, and kindness.
VALUES
We strive to instill core values by leading and demonstrating thoughtful lives ourselves. We believe these values are central to becoming a well-rounded, inspiring, intelligent, and kind citizen of our world.
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Confidence
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Leadership
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Integrity
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Inclusivity
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Education
RISE PILLARS
At RISE, we believe growth happens when structure, mentorship, and opportunity come together. Our approach is built on three core pillars: Sports, Education, and Entrepreneurship, which work together to develop confident, capable young leaders on and off the court.
Sports
RISE introduces youth to a variety of sports beginning in TK, using athletics as a foundation for growth. Through skill development, teamwork, health and wellness education, and physical activity, participants build confidence, discipline, leadership, and lifelong healthy habits.
education
RISE supports students through academic guidance, mentorship, and soft-skill development. Participants receive help with communication, time management, goal setting, school applications, college preparation, and identifying educational opportunities that best support their future.
entrepreneurship
RISE introduces youth to financial literacy, business fundamentals, career exploration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Participants learn how to solve problems, communicate ideas, manage money, and develop the confidence and leadership skills needed to create opportunities for themselves and others.
chris rodgers
FOUNDER | COMMUNITY LEADER | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MENTOR
Chris Rodgers’ journey is rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and opportunity. Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide access and exposure, Chris was introduced to basketball at an early age. His mother recognized his potential and made it a priority to place him in environments that would challenge him, develop him, and keep him on a path toward success.
Through her support, Chris was able to pursue basketball at a high level while gaining educational and life opportunities that helped shape his future. What stayed with him most was not just the game itself, but the access, mentorship, and belief that made those opportunities possible.
RISE was created to extend that same access to others.
Today, Chris is committed to ensuring that young people—especially those in underserved communities—have the same opportunities, structure, mentorship, and support that helped shape his own journey. Through RISE, he is building an organization focused on developing not only athletes, but confident, prepared, and purpose-driven individuals.
where it all began
"I believe the harder you work, the stronger you become. Growing up in Philadelphia, I always enjoyed being active by running track, playing baseball, football, and basketball. After earning a college basketball scholarship, I continued to play professionally overseas. Through my experience as a Division 1 player along with training as an elite athlete at the professional level, I discovered my true passion for basketball and physical fitness.
When my journey as a professional basketball player ended in 2011, I began focusing on my love for helping others realize their true potential. My vast experience working with professional athletes, celebrities, youth and adults provided me with extensive knowledge to customize a training program for each client. I enjoy going through the process with everyone and am ecstatic when they achieve success in all aspects of their life! Whether you have sport-specific or personal fitness goals, I welcome you to join our R.I.S.E. Family!"
-Chris Rodgers
MEET THE TEAM
Eastern Elise
Director of Marketing & Brand Development
Eastern Elise is the Director of Marketing & Brand Development for RISE Sports Academy, where she leads the organization’s brand strategy, marketing initiatives, social media presence, and community engagement. With more than 15 years of experience in brand consulting, image development, and strategic marketing—and a creative career spanning over two decades in the fashion and entertainment industries—she specializes in transforming vision into meaningful brand experiences that inspire connection and trust.
At RISE, Eastern is responsible for developing and protecting the organization’s brand identity while creating marketing campaigns, digital content, community partnerships, and storytelling strategies that reflect the heart of the mission. She believes that every great organization has an authentic identity waiting to be expressed, and her work ensures that every message, event, program, and visual representation of RISE consistently communicates its purpose and impact. Her goal is to position RISE Sports Academy as a nationally recognized leader in youth development, where sports become a platform for education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and life transformation.
mckenna chantha
Director of Operations
McKenna Chantha is the Director of RISE Sports Academy, overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations.
McKenna combines her passion for youth basketball with a background in business and sport management. She earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Economics from California State University, Fullerton, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Sport Management at the University of San Francisco. She also interns with the Los Angeles Sparks in Community Relations and Youth Basketball.
Inspired by the nonprofit basketball program her father created during her childhood, McKenna is passionate about providing young athletes with similar opportunities. She believes sports can build confidence, discipline, leadership, and life skills that extend far beyond the court.
jaclyn paetzold
Marketing and Social Media Manager
Jaclyn is a Los Angeles native and lifelong sports fan who brings that passion into her work at RISE. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Gonzaga University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Management at the University of San Francisco- Orange County. Combining her hometown roots with her academic background in business and sport management, Jaclyn is excited to help grow RISE's presence and connect with the community it serves. Outside of work, she loves to travel-whether it's for leisure, adventure, or following her favorite teams on the road.
kiyon spencer
Media & Content Coordinator
Community impact Focus
RISE was built on the belief that opportunity shouldn't depend on zip code. Too many young people in under-resourced communities never get access to the mentorship, structured training, and support systems that shape confident, capable leaders.
That's why RISE partners directly with schools, districts, and community organizations to bring our programming to where it's needed most, not just where it's easy. Through after-school programs, in-school partnerships, and community-based training, we meet kids where they are and give them the same access to growth that shaped our founder's own path.
Our goal isn't just to run a camp. It's to build lasting infrastructure and real programs, in real schools, for the communities that need them most.
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