New Year Brings New Programs And the 30th Anniversary of The Rising Stars Foundation

The New Year brought a great deal of excitement for Rising Stars founder Paul Savramis.

First and foremost for Paul Savramis was that 2026 marked the beginning of the 30th anniversary of the Rising Stars Youth Foundation.

“I can’t believe that it’s been 30 years,” said Paul Savramis. “Looking back, there are so many milestones I can’t begin to list them here.”

For Paul Savramis, looking back has always been an exercise that helps him look ahead.

“I have seen so many good things happen over the past 30 years, but probably the most meaningful has been the core of leadership that’s grown with me and has become the best part of Rising Stars,” added Paul Savramis.

That core includes Rising Stars Executive Director Dan Gimpel, a former Paul Savramis player who has been part of the foundation since it began, along with Tom Hughes and Bethany LeSueur, who have raised four wonderful children since they first became involved and who are now part of the program.

But looking back is not what anyone at Rising Stars likes to do, and 2026 has already introduced new features and programs designed to expand the program’s impact.

“We have never accepted the status quo,” Paul Savramis explains.

Rising Stars’ 2026 season now officially begins with Little Stars, the program for boys and girls from pre-K through third grade that has become one of the most popular offerings.

Then there is the new Rising Stars Combine, which blends three areas of training into every session.

These include speed and agility with Mike Beirline, strength and conditioning with Rising Stars trainer Jack Kim, and individual basketball skills that include guest trainers such as former Rising Stars player and current Golden State G League member Michael O’Connell.

“The Combine has been an incredible success for us and hopefully will help redefine the next 30 years,” concluded Paul Savramis.

“We need to teach our players and offer more than just a vehicle for team play and competitive games. Too many players do nothing but play and ignore learning how to play.”

“We are taking a lesson from the European model of training youth to be the best they can early on so they can succeed.”