Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell (District 2) delivers special recognition during the Sparks Sport Court unveiling ceremony at KIPP Compton Upper School. (Photo Credit: Lila Brown, LA Sentinel)
By Lila Brown
The Los Angeles Sparks, in partnership with Albert, the team’s official financial partner, unveiled a newly designed multipurpose “Sparks Sport Court” at KIPP Compton Upper School on Monday, January 12, celebrating more than a physical transformation of campus space — but a renewed commitment to youth, equity and community in South Los Angeles.
The outdoor court, located at KIPP Compton Upper School, will serve students, staff and the surrounding community as a hub for recreation, physical education and community programming. It is the first of three community courts planned over the next five years through the Sparks–Albert partnership.
“This court exists because Albert believes in access to play, safe spaces, and investing in the next generation,” said Natalie White, senior vice president of community and social impact for the Los Angeles Sparks. “Today is more than unveiling a court. It’s about creating a space where students can move, learn, grow, build confidence, and develop life skills like teamwork, leadership, resilience and discipline.”
White, who joined Sparks leadership for the ceremony, emphasized that access to high-quality spaces can be transformative for young people. “When students have access to play like this, they don’t just grow athletically — they grow as people,” she said.
The unveiling brought together civic leaders, educators, students, and WNBA players, including Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, a two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, three-time All-Star, WNBA champion, and 2024 Paris Olympian with Team USA.
From left, Natalie White, Senior Vice President of Community & Social Impact for the Los Angeles Sparks; Dearica Hamby, WNBA forward for the Sparks; Brielle Lawson, a seventh-grade student who served as the event’s MC; and Courtney Tyler, school leader of KIPP Compton Upper School, pose together during the Sparks Sport Court unveiling. (Photo Credit: Lila Brown, LA Sentinel)
“It’s truly special to be here,” Hamby told students. “When I was younger, I didn’t always have the resources that kids have today. To see this community, this school, and this court come together means a lot. This is about giving kids opportunities to dream bigger.”
Hamby, who joined the Sparks in 2023, has emerged as a cornerstone of the franchise. Earning AP Most Improved Player honors and All-Star recognition while leading the team in scoring and rebounding in 2024.
Compton Unified School District Board President Micah Ali framed the court as a symbol of collective responsibility. “The spotlight is on our children,” Ali said. “Every investment that opens doors to opportunity, well-being and joy matters. This court represents commitment, visibility and love in action.”
City and county officials echoed that sentiment. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif said the partnership reflects genuine care for the community. “This is uplifting for our students and our staff,” Sharif said in an interview. “When young people see something new and innovative like this, it lifts their spirits and shows them that people believe in them — especially seeing women athletes leading the way.”
Angella Martinez, CEO of KIPP SoCal Public Schools, called the court “a symbol of what’s possible when we come together to create identity-affirming spaces with high expectations.”
Community leaders, students, and partners gather on the newly unveiled Sparks Sport Court at KIPP Compton Upper School during the ribbon-cutting celebration. (Photo Credit: Lila Brown, LA Sentinel)
KIPP Compton Upper School leader Courtney Tyler underscored the deeper meaning of the project, noting the campus’ long and complex history — from former continuation and alternative schools to its rebirth as a KIPP campus after years of vacancy.
“This court represents partnership, collaboration, investment and possibility,” Tyler said. “It’s a place where our students will build confidence, discipline, teamwork and resilience — skills that extend far beyond the game.”
At the time of the ribbon-cutting, KIPP Compton’s future was still uncertain, as the school awaited a charter renewal decision. The timing made the celebration especially poignant.
One day later, that uncertainty was lifted.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Compton Unified School District Board voted to approve KIPP Compton’s charter renewal, allowing the school to continue serving students and families through 2031. The school currently serves 829 students in grades TK–7 and is expected to expand to TK–8 next year. Charter renewals occur every five years.
This story was originally published in the Los Angeles Sentinel