What happens when a professional athlete and a community leader use their passions to create something bigger than themselves?

In Episode 7 of REI Sports Network, we sit down with NBA veteran Ish Wainright and C. Renée, the founders of Carz N Kickz, to discuss how a shared love for cars, sneakers, sports, and community has grown into a movement that inspires and serves others.

From Ish's basketball journey through college, overseas, and the NBA to Renée's passion for creating meaningful community experiences, this conversation highlights the power of purpose, entrepreneurship, and giving back.

We also explore Winter Circle Weekend, their commitment to creating opportunities for youth, and why building community will always be bigger than the event itself.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, or someone looking to make an impact, this episode is a reminder that your platform can become your purpose.

• Ish Wainright's basketball journey from overseas to the NBA
• The story behind Carz N Kickz
• Why community is at the center of everything they build
• Winter Circle Weekend and giving back to Kansas City
• Entrepreneurship beyond sports
• REI Arena and the future of gaming in community events
• Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, athletes, and young leaders

"Follow your dreams, whatever they are."

"Be open, be flexible, and have fun in the journey."

"We really do run the world."

📱 Ish Wainright

Instagram

📱 C. Renée

Instagram

Follow Carz N Kickz and Winter Circle Weekend to stay connected with upcoming events and community initiatives.

REI Sports Network is the official media platform of REI Prep (Roadrunners Elite Institute), where sports, education, business, and opportunity come together through meaningful conversations with athletes, coaches, founders, educators, and industry leaders.

Our mission is simple:

Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.

🌐 REIPrep.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue highlighting the people making a difference in sports and their communities.

#REISportsNetwork #CarzNKickz #IshWainright #CommunityLeadership #YouthSports

What does it take to build a basketball program from the ground up?

In this episode of REI Sports Network, we sit down with Coach Devin, the inaugural Middle School Head Coach at REI Prep, to discuss what it means to develop student-athletes beyond the game.

As one of the very first coaches to join REI Prep, Coach Devin shares his journey, coaching philosophy, and vision for building a culture centered around accountability, leadership, discipline, and character.

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable insight into what separates great programs from good ones—and why developing great people will always come before developing great basketball players.

🏀 Coach Devin's basketball journey

🏀 Why he joined REI Prep from the beginning

🏀 Building the inaugural middle school program

🏀 Developing leaders on and off the court

🏀 The importance of culture and accountability

🏀 Advice for parents and young athletes

🏀 What makes REI Prep different

🏀 His vision for the future of Roadrunner Basketball

About REI Prep

REI Prep (Roadrunners Elite Institute) is redefining education through three innovative pathways:

🏀 Student Athlete

🎮 Digital Athlete

💼 Sports Industry & Leadership

Our mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life—because sports isn't just a game...it's an industry.

🌐 REIPrep.org

Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, educators, and innovators who are shaping the future of sports.

#REIPrep #REISportsNetwork #YouthBasketball #BasketballCoach #StudentAthlete

🏀 Episode 5 | Inside The Grind Session: Building Elite Players Beyond the Game

What does it really take to develop elite basketball players in today's game?

In this episode of REI Sports Network, host Debrina Wright sits down with Justin Peterson, founder of Just Hoopin' and a leader with The Grind Session, to discuss the future of player development, recruiting, and what separates good athletes from great ones.

From building championship habits to navigating NIL, analytics, social media, and college recruiting, this conversation is packed with practical advice for players, parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about the game.

Whether your goal is to play at the next level or build a career in basketball, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the sport's most respected voices.

In this episode, we cover:
🏀 What makes an elite basketball player
📈 The evolution of recruiting, NIL & analytics
🎯 How The Grind Session creates opportunities for athletes
💪 Habits that separate good players from great ones
📱 Social media mistakes that can cost opportunities
🍎 Nutrition, recovery & long-term development
🚀 The future of basketball and player exposure

Guest: Justin Peterson
Founder, Just Hoopin' • The Grind Session

🎙️ Subscribe to REI Sports Network for weekly conversations where sports, education, and opportunity meet.

No Shortcuts. Just Miles.

#REISportsNetwork #GrindSession #Basketball #PlayerDevelopment #NIL #YouthBasketball #SportsEducation #Recruiting #JustHoopin #StudentAthletes