KIPP Compton Upper School recently had an unforgettable morning as students welcomed WNBA All-Star and Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby to campus.
Hamby, joined by the LA Sparks General Manager Raegan Pebley and the team’s Vice President of Community Engagement, spent the day connecting with students, sharing her story, and celebrating the power of education and athletics.
The Sparks kicked off their visit with a campus tour, stopping in classrooms to see teaching and learning in action. Students were thrilled to meet Hamby up close, especially the group invited to the main office to receive autographs and share their own love for sports.
A highlight of the visit was a Q&A session where students asked thoughtful questions about Hamby’s journey, motivation, and success. When a student asked what first inspired her to play basketball, Hamby offered words that resonated across the room:
“When I learned that things are possible from playing sports, like furthering my education, traveling, and building friendships. I really looked forward to that, so I think that kind of motivated me to keep playing basketball.”
Hamby also spoke about discipline, resilience, and staying focused on goals — a message that deeply aligns with the values our students practice every day.
We’re incredibly grateful to Dearica Hamby and the Sparks team for taking the time to pour into our school community. Their visit reminded students that their passions can open doors, create opportunities, and take them further than they ever imagined.
Opportunities like these—where students connect with inspiring role models, explore new possibilities, and see firsthand what their futures can hold—are just one of the many reasons families #ChooseKIPP.