Rally to RISE: Second Annual Pickleball Tournament

After the overwhelming success and enthusiastic response to last year’s tournament, Rally to RISE is returning for its second year!

This community-centered event brings together families, friends, local businesses, and pickleball players for a morning of friendly competition while supporting the Ascend Leadership Academy Lady Aviators Basketball Program.

How Your Support Helps the Lady Aviators

As a public charter school, Ascend Leadership Academy receives limited funding for athletics and related transportation expenses. Our athletic programs depend heavily on tournament proceeds, donations, sponsorships, and support from community partners.

Funds raised through the Second Annual Rally to RISE Pickleball Tournament will help strengthen and expand the Lady Aviators Basketball Program by supporting needs such as:

Athletic equipment and program supplies
Uniforms, practice apparel, and team gear
Transportation and travel-related expenses
Tournament, game, and officiating costs
Coaching, training, and player-development resources
Video, communication, and performance-analysis tools
Team-building opportunities and other needs that arise throughout the season

Your support gives our athletes the resources they need to compete safely, confidently, and with pride. More importantly, it helps build a sustainable program that can continue serving Lady Aviators for years to come.

Player Registration

$40 per player

Your registration directly supports the Lady Aviators Basketball Program while giving you the opportunity to participate in a fun and competitive community event.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Local businesses, families, and community partners are invited to support the tournament through one of the following sponsorship levels.

Presenting Sponsor — $1,000

Recognition as the tournament’s presenting sponsor
Premier logo placement on event signage
Recognition on the Givebutter event page and promotional materials
Social media recognition before and after the tournament
Opportunity to provide promotional materials at the event
Four complimentary player registrations

Court Sponsor — $500

Business name or logo displayed at a tournament court
Recognition on the Givebutter event page
Social media recognition
Two complimentary player registrations

Lady Aviator Sponsor — $250

Business name displayed on sponsor signage
Recognition on the Givebutter event page
Social media recognition
One complimentary player registration

Community Supporter — $100

Business, organization, family, or individual name listed on the event sponsor board
Recognition on the Givebutter event page

In-Kind Sponsor

Businesses and individuals may also support the tournament by donating products, services, or supplies.

In-kind sponsorship opportunities may include:

Bottled water, soft drinks, and sports drinks
Individually wrapped chips, candy, and snacks
New, tournament-quality pickleballs
Tournament prizes or gift cards
Printing and signage
Napkins, plates, coolers, and concession supplies
Other event-related products or professional services

In-kind sponsors will be recognized based on the value and type of donation and may receive recognition on tournament signage, the Givebutter event page, and social media.

To coordinate an in-kind donation, please contact:

Coach Brianna Taylor
919-842-5411 ext. 140
btaylor@alaschoolsnc.org

Coach Donna Taylor
dtaylor@alaschoolsnc.org

Ashley Thompson
athompson@alaschoolsnc.org

Register, Sponsor, or Donate

Whether you participate as a player, support the event as a sponsor, donate supplies, or make a financial contribution, you are helping provide meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes.

Together, we can give our Lady Aviators more than a successful season. We can give them the resources, confidence, and foundation needed to build a lasting legacy.

Ascend Leadership Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Because player registration and some sponsorship levels include goods, services, recognition, or tournament participation, the full amount may not qualify as a charitable deduction.

aviator nation

2026 Annual Pickleball Tournament

Rally to RISE: Paddles UP for the Lady Aviators