Canada Basketball and Classroom Champions Team Up to Inspire Canadian Students Through the Power of Mentorship
TORONTO (November 3, 2025)  - Canada Basketball, a national sporting organization (NSO) and Classroom Champions, are proud to announce a new community-based partnership that will bring select Canada Basketball athletes directly into Canadian classrooms as mentors for the 2025-2026 academic school year.Over the course of the school year, seven Canada Basketball athletes will be paired with Classroom Champions’ schools across Canada, giving students the chance to learn directly from athletes and their personal journeys, on and off the court. This unique pairing helps to build the confidence, perseverance, and life skills all kids need to grow and thrive, while inspiring kids to see that big achievements can start in the same classrooms and communities they are a part of.
Meet the Athlete-Mentors
Canada Basketball is the national governing body for the sport, recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada. A not-for-profit organization, Canada Basketball leads the growth and development of the game at all levels, from grassroots participation to high performance international competition, including the development of athletes, coaches, and officials across the country, in alignment with its provincial and territorial sport organizations. The organization strives for excellence on the world stage while serving the best interests of Canada by making basketball safer, more accessible, more equitable, and more impactful in communities coast-to-coast-to-coast. Canada’s Senior Women’s, Men’s, and 3x3 National Teams, along with its age-group programs, proudly represent the nation in international play, competing with the best in the world.About Classroom Champions:
Classroom Champions is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping K–8 students build the confidence, perseverance, and fundamental skills they need to excel and reach their potential in school and beyond. Since 2008, we’ve partnered with Olympic, Paralympic, professional, and collegiate athletes to educate and inspire students across North America. Our unique curriculum blends life skills with elite athlete mentorship, helping students develop a Champion Mindset—one that embraces challenges, fosters perseverance, and invests in personal growth.Headquartered in both Boston, MA, and Calgary, AB, Classroom Champions is committed to creating a future where every student has the tools to find their inner champion. For more information, visit classroomchampions.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at @classroomchampions and X at @classroomchamps.
- Kayla Alexander – A two-time Olympian, Captain of Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team, two-time FIBA AmeriCup All-Star, WNBA veteran, and author/entrepreneur who has led Canada to historic international success.
Emily Potter – A consistent front-court presence and two-time FIBA AmeriCup bronze medallist, Potter has excelled overseas, most recently leading Crvena Zvezda to a perfect 27-0 season as Finals MVP. - Kacie Bosch – A 2024 Paris Olympian, and pioneer in Canadian 3×3 basketball, Bosch is a two-time FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series champion, and teacher who has medalled at every AmeriCup since 2021.
- Quinn Dornstauder – A long-time Canadian centre with more than 14 years in the national program, Dornstauder has built a successful pro career across Europe and Mexico while preparing for a future in physiotherapy and coaching.
- Sami Hill – A versatile guard and Paris 2024 Olympian, Hill has earned four FIBA AmeriCup medals since joining the senior team in 2017 and built a strong pro career in Germany, France, and Spain.
- Shay Colley – A two-time Olympian with over 50 international appearances with the Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team, Colley has been central to Canada’s medal success across World Cups and AmeriCups.
- Shayeann “Shy” Day-Wilson – One of Canada’s most dynamic young guards, Day-Wilson is an ACC Freshman of the Year, NCAA standout, and a FIBA AmeriCup bronze medallist, entering her first year as a professional this fall.
Canada Basketball is the national governing body for the sport, recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Government of Canada. A not-for-profit organization, Canada Basketball leads the growth and development of the game at all levels, from grassroots participation to high performance international competition, including the development of athletes, coaches, and officials across the country, in alignment with its provincial and territorial sport organizations. The organization strives for excellence on the world stage while serving the best interests of Canada by making basketball safer, more accessible, more equitable, and more impactful in communities coast-to-coast-to-coast. Canada’s Senior Women’s, Men’s, and 3x3 National Teams, along with its age-group programs, proudly represent the nation in international play, competing with the best in the world.About Classroom Champions:
Classroom Champions is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping K–8 students build the confidence, perseverance, and fundamental skills they need to excel and reach their potential in school and beyond. Since 2008, we’ve partnered with Olympic, Paralympic, professional, and collegiate athletes to educate and inspire students across North America. Our unique curriculum blends life skills with elite athlete mentorship, helping students develop a Champion Mindset—one that embraces challenges, fosters perseverance, and invests in personal growth.Headquartered in both Boston, MA, and Calgary, AB, Classroom Champions is committed to creating a future where every student has the tools to find their inner champion. For more information, visit classroomchampions.org and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at @classroomchampions and X at @classroomchamps.