The campus has transformed into a space for possibility for students
COMPTON, Calif. – The sun showed up like it had an invite.
So did the City. The County. School leaders. Community partners. And the Los Angeles Sparks, alongside Albert, to unveil a new outdoor basketball court at KIPP Compton Upper School, a space designed to serve students far beyond the game.
This was not just a ribbon cutting. It felt like a reclaiming.
Before becoming KIPP Compton Upper School, the campus previously served as Cesar Chavez Continuation School and later Harriet Tubman School for Teen Mothers. It functioned as an alternative education site for students who needed a different setting and additional support. The transformation of the space reflects how the campus has continued to evolve to meet the needs of students in Compton.
Long before this moment in Compton, Courtney Tyler, Mykala Walker, and Dearica Hamby grew up together in Atlanta as three Black girls with hopes, dreams, and ambition. Standing together in Compton, that shared foundation came full circle. What made the moment special was not just the court, but seeing three women who once dreamed together now giving back together.
Way more than just a court
KIPP Compton Upper School Principal Courtney Tyler opened the ceremony by grounding the moment in purpose.
“This basketball court is way more than just a court,” Tyler said. “It represents partnership, collaboration, investment, and possibility.”
Tyler reflected on the history of the campus and emphasized that the goal was never just to reopen a building, but to create a space that supports the whole child academically, emotionally, and physically.
“We believe schools should be places where students are challenged academically, supported emotionally, and inspired physically,” she said.
She addressed the students directly.
“This court belongs to you. Treat it with pride. Use it to push yourself, support your teammates, and grow into the leaders you are becoming.”
Tyler described the court as a place where students will build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, skills that extend far beyond basketball.
KIPP SoCal leadership and the power of partnership
KIPP SoCal Public Schools CEO Angela Martinez credited Tyler’s leadership and the strength of authentic community partnerships.
Martinez thanked the LA Sparks and Albert for investing in students and the broader Compton community, calling the court an example of what is possible when schools create identity affirming spaces while holding high expectations for instruction and achievement.
She also shared a personal connection, noting that she began her career in Compton nearly 25 years ago. Returning for the unveiling felt full circle and reflective of long term commitment.
County and district leaders emphasize unity
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell spoke to the importance of relationships across systems.
“None of us can do this alone,” Mitchell said. “But when we come together, we are a force to be reckoned with.”
She reminded families that schools have historically served as community anchors, especially during challenging times, and encouraged students to see their school as a place of support and belonging. City of Compton officials in attendance included Mayor Emma Sharif, Councilmember Andre Spicer (District 2), and Councilmember Jonathan Bowers (District 3).
Micah Ali, President of the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees, centered his remarks on students.
“The spotlight is on our children,” Ali said, thanking the LA Sparks for showing up and investing in a space meant to uplift and inspire.
He described the court as commitment, visibility, and love in action, underscoring the power of collaboration across public education systems.
LA Sparks and Albert invest in access to play
Sparks Vice President of Community Relations and Social Impact Natalie White shared that the project began with a simple request.
“I received an email asking if we could meet and talk about supporting the students,” White said. “This court is the result of that conversation.”
White emphasized that the basketball court is only the beginning, noting that a track is planned next, signaling continued investment in physical wellness and student activity on campus.
“We wanted to be the first to pour into this space and let the community know that we are here, not just for today,” she said.
Dearica Hamby brings it full circle
Sparks forward Dearica Hamby spoke candidly about growing up without access to resources like those now available to students at KIPP Compton.
“I did not necessarily have what you see here when I was young,” Hamby said. “To see the love and intention poured into this community is special.”
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