Indian River Hoops Rally: A Slam Dunk of Community Spirit!

Vero Beach, FL – Crossover Mission’s first-ever Indian River Hoops Rally Exhibition Game at the Center for Excellence was a resounding success, uniting student athletes, community organizations, leaders, and supporters for a memorable day of basketball, camaraderie, and inspiration.

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The event provided Crossover Mission’s student athletes and others throughout the community with the invaluable opportunity to engage with collegiate players from Indian River State College (IRSC), fostering an atmosphere of encouragement and excitement. The energy in the gym was electric as the kids took to the court alongside IRSC players, learning, competing, and building connections. The IRSC players’ enthusiasm and respect were infectious, and for many, the highlight of the day was having their t-shirts and posters signed by the IRSC team. These personal mementos filled the students with pride, reminding us of the lasting impact events like these can have on their lives.

Adding to the day’s excitement, the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association made a special appearance, bringing their fire truck to the event. Students were thrilled to take photos with the firefighters and the IRSC players, even getting the chance to climb aboard the truck. The Association’s presence was made even more meaningful by their generous $5,000 sponsorship of Crossover Mission’s upcoming Gala, reinforcing the bond between both organizations and strengthening their shared commitment to supporting the local community.

“We would also like to express our appreciation to the Boys and Girls Club, Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC), Youth Guidance, and various other agencies that participated in the event. Their involvement added an invaluable layer of collaboration, bringing more students together and making the day even more impactful. The spirit of community was palpable, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership in supporting the youth of Indian River County.” said Cathy DeSchower, Co-founder and Executive Director.

Crossover Mission remains committed to preparing student athletes for success both on the court and in life. Through our College and Career Readiness Program, we inspire our students to pursue the many opportunities that further education can offer. IRSC serves as an excellent pathway for many of our athletes, and we proudly promote the school as a wonderful option for their academic and athletic journeys. We hope to see some of our Crossover athletes playing for IRSC in the future—perhaps even coached by the very people they met at this event.

Antoine Jennings, Co-Founder, Director of Operations, and Head Coach at Crossover Mission, expressed his appreciation, stating, “Special thanks go to Michael Schemel, Director of Development at IRSC, Coach Jackson, and Assistant Coach Phillips for their dedication and thoughtful planning. Their commitment ensured that the event provided unforgettable experiences for our student athletes, whose enthusiasm and engagement were truly inspired by the IRSC team.”

Event Partners:

Boys & Girls Club of Indian River County, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Indian River County Main Library, Indian River State College, iThink Financial, Laura Riding Jackson Foundation, Rotary Club of Vero Beach, Substance Abuse Awareness Center, The Learning Alliance-Moonshot Moment, The Mental Health Collaborative of Indian River County, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Treasure Coast Technical College, United Way of Indian River County, Wawa, Whole Family Health Center, Youth Guidance.

Learn more at crossovermission.com.  For further information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact: Triana Romero, Director of Development, 772.257.5400, tromero@crossovermission.com. Your support and coverage of this important initiative are greatly appreciated.