PHILANTHROPY
MCCOUGHTRY'S MISSION: EMPOWERING LIVES, INSPIRING CHANGE
At the heart of Angel McCoughtry’s journey is a profound commitment to giving back and creating lasting change. Beyond her legendary achievements on the court, Angel is driven by a higher purpose—to empower youth, advocate for equality, and promote wellness. Through McCoughtry's Mission, her foundation, she strives to inspire hope, open doors of opportunity, and uplift communities worldwide.
Angel’s passion for youth empowerment is deeply personal. “As you know, sports have always been an extremely important part of my life growing up. But, when I was little, we couldn’t always afford new equipment, new shoes, new cleats, etc.” These early challenges instilled in her a profound empathy for young athletes facing similar struggles. Today, she is on a mission to break down barriers—ensuring that all kids, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the resources, mentorship, and spaces they need to dream big, play freely, and thrive.
Through McCoughtry's Mission, Angel has led a series of transformative initiatives. She has revitalized run-down basketball courts, turning them into vibrant havens where youth can sharpen their skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of the game. These courts do more than foster athleticism—they inspire hope, strengthen communities, and ignite dreams. Angel also made history as the first WNBA athlete to host a basketball camp in Ghana, expanding her reach globally and empowering youth with her wisdom, passion, and drive.
Her commitment doesn’t stop at sports. With a vision for creating brighter futures, Angel is dedicated to mentoring youth in multimedia and film, equipping them with creative skills and the confidence to pursue their artistic aspirations. Through her foundation, she also champions mental health awareness, educational scholarships, and women’s empowerment, using her voice and influence to advocate for those in need and be a force for positive change.
🏀 Did You Know?
Angel McCoughtry made history as the first WNBA player to be honored with her own basketball courts, leaving a lasting legacy in the communities she holds dear. Through her court revitalization projects, including the vibrant "Reaching for the Stars" court in Louisville and the newly refurbished Maddox Park courts in Atlanta, Angel is inspiring future generations to dream big, play boldly, and reach for greatness—both on and off the court.
🌍 She also made history as the first WNBA athlete to host a basketball camp in Ghana, expanding her impact globally and empowering youth around the world with her passion for the game.
OUR INITIATIVES
Youth Empowerment &
Sports Development
Through McCoughtry's Mission, Angel empowers youth by hosting basketball camps, mentorship programs, and sports initiatives. She aims to instill confidence, discipline, and leadership skills, inspiring the next generation to believe in their potential and chase their dreams.
Women’s Empowerment & Equality
As a pioneer in women’s sports, Angel is a fearless advocate for gender equality and fair opportunities. She collaborates with organizations that empower women and girls, championing their right to lead, excel, and thrive.
Court Revitalization &
Global Camps
By transforming neglected courts into vibrant, welcoming spaces, Angel creates safe havens for young athletes to grow, play, and thrive. Her groundbreaking basketball camp in Ghana reflects her commitment to global youth empowerment, proving that no dream is too far out of reach.
Mental Health & Wellness Advocacy
Recognizing that true strength comes from within, Angel is dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health. Through speaking engagements, campaigns, and resources, she encourages open conversations and promotes healing and resilience.
Education & Scholarship Programs
Believing that education is the key to unlocking potential, Angel provides scholarships and supports programs that equip young minds with the tools to succeed. Her mission is to ignite lifelong learning and create pathways to brighter futures.
Creative Arts & Multimedia Opportunities for Youth
Through McCoughtry's Mission, Angel opens doors for youth in multimedia and film, offering them creative outlets and opportunities for self-expression. Her goal is to ignite imagination, fuel ambition, and inspire the next wave of storytellers.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Louisville
As part of her ongoing commitment to giving back to the community that helped launch her Hall of Fame-caliber career, Angel partnered with Adidas and Project Backboard to renovate a basketball court in Louisville's Shively Park.
The court, fittingly named "Reaching for the Stars" after her recently released single, is a vibrant symbol of hope and ambition. The blacktop features a stunning mural of McCoughtry in a colorful, dynamic design, with "Reaching for the Stars" handwritten along the baselines—a powerful message of encouragement for all who step onto the court.
"Louisville is a place I was able to 'Reach for the Stars'," McCoughtry shared with Louisville Report. "With the help of Adidas, we want to show you that you can too."
The renovated court is more than just a place to play—it’s a beacon of inspiration, inviting local youth to chase their dreams, overcome challenges, and reach for greatness, just as Angel once did.
Empowering Youth Through Sports: Maddox Park Court Revitalization
In collaboration with Honey Stinger and Project Backboard, Angel McCoughtry led the revitalization of the basketball courts at Maddox Park in Atlanta, creating a safe and inspiring space for local youth. The vibrant, newly refurbished courts are more than just a place to play—they symbolize hope, empowerment, and the limitless potential of young athletes, especially young women.
Reflecting on her own journey, Angel shared,“As a little girl, I loved the game of basketball... with this court with Honey Stinger—we want to show kids that their dreams can come true, too.”
The project’s unveiling was a community celebration, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a panel discussion led by RISE, focusing on female empowerment and leadership. Local youth from the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs of America participated in basketball drills with trainers and student-athletes from Clark Atlanta University, making it a day of inspiration and growth.
This initiative is a powerful testament to Angel’s commitment to creating opportunities, fostering confidence, and inspiring the next generation to reach for their dreams—both on and off the court.
Ghana Camps
As part of her unwavering commitment to empowering youth through sports, Angel McCoughtry has made a lasting impact in Ghana by promoting basketball and leadership development.
In December 2024, Angel served as a coach at the SEED Elite Camp 2024 at the University of Ghana. The camp brought together 56 young athletes from 13 academies, offering a powerful combination of basketball training, leadership development, and life skills education. With her signature passion and expertise, Angel inspired the next generation of athletes, emphasizing the importance of discipline, resilience, and leadership both on and off the court.
This initiative follows Angel's historic milestone in August 2019, when she became the first WNBA athlete to host a basketball camp in Ghana. Held as part of the "Year of Return" festivities, commemorating 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia, the camp provided young Ghanaian girls with the opportunity to develop their basketball skills under Angel's mentorship. The event also encouraged greater female participation in sports, promoting confidence and empowerment through athletic excellence.
Through these philanthropic efforts, Angel McCoughtry continues to uplift and inspire youth globally, using basketball as a vehicle for personal growth, leadership, and empowerment.