Nine Spelman Students “Drafted” Into 2026 NBA HBCU Fellowship Cohort

Spelman students selected from more than 10,500 applicants spent the summer working across the NBA and nine of its teams

This summer, nine Spelman College students took their talents from the Atlanta University Center to the National Basketball Association. The students were among 70 scholars selected for the NBA Foundation’s 2026 HBCU Fellowship program, representing 23 historically Black colleges and universities nationwide.

Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 10,500 applicants, the Spelman Fellows spent 10 weeks gaining hands-on experience across the business of basketball.  From video production and human resources to community engagement and global partnerships, the students contributed to the NBA League Office and teams across the country. 

Meet the Spelman Fellows 

The nine students and their summer placements are: 

• Taylor Branch, C’2027, Human Resources intern, NBA League Office  
• Sydney Collins, C’2028, Rotational intern, Los Angeles Lakers  
• Alison Farmer, C’2028, People and Culture intern, Atlanta Hawks  
• Zora Johnson, C’2027, Booking and Events intern, Cleveland Cavaliers  
• Kennedy Plummer, C’2027, Community Engagement and Impact intern, LA Clippers  
• Sydney Robinson, C’2027, Global Sales and Partnerships intern, New York Knicks  
• Skyler Sanford, C’2026, Impact Marketing intern, Portland Trail Blazers  
• Lauren Thompson, C’2027, Video Production intern, New Orleans Pelicans  
• Nia Williams, C’2027, Impact and Inclusion intern, Philadelphia 76ers 

Turning Passion Into Impact

For Kennedy Plummer, working with the LA Clippers has provided an opportunity to connect her passion for sports and service with meaningful community engagement. 

“Being an NBA HBCU Fellow with the LA Clippers has been an experience of a lifetime,” Plummer said. “As a community engagement intern, I’ve had the opportunity to take my passion for bridging the gap between sports and the community and turn that into real action.” 

Throughout the fellowship, Plummer has learned more about the sports industry, the Los Angeles community and her own professional aspirations. 

“I’ve grown so much over the course of this summer and can’t wait to take what I’ve learned into my final year at Spelman and then into a career in sports after graduation — creating change for my community every step of the way,” she said. 

Alison Farmer, C’2028, a political science major on the pre-law track from Memphis, Tennessee, is gaining experience with the Atlanta Hawks’ People, Culture and Human Resources department. She described the fellowship as a transformative opportunity that has helped her develop personally and professionally. 

“Through my work in the People, Culture and HR department with the Atlanta Hawks, I have gained valuable insight into building meaningful relationships, fostering a positive organizational culture and understanding the importance of teamwork,” Farmer said. 

Although Farmer plans to pursue a career as an attorney, the skills she has strengthened through the fellowship will support her as she continues her education at Spelman and prepares for the legal profession. 

“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and deeply appreciate the mentorship, guidance and encouragement I received from the HR team and corporate leaders throughout the fellowship,” she said. “These experiences have strengthened the skills and confidence I will carry with me as I continue my educational journey at Spelman College and prepare for a career as an attorney.” 

Getting Drafted 

Before beginning their assignments, the Fellows traveled to the NBA’s New York and New Jersey offices for a three-day orientation, June 3-5. There, the students met members of the NBA Foundation team, connected with the other Fellows, and were officially “drafted” into the 2026 cohort. The orientation introduced students to the NBA’s business operations and prepared them to contribute to their respective departments throughout the summer. 

Established by the NBA Foundation, the HBCU Fellowship is a paid summer internship designed to provide talented students from HBCUs with career development, mentorship and professional experience. Fellows are placed in roles with the NBA League Office and its teams based on their interests and career goals. 

For the nine Spelman students selected this year, the fellowship offered more than a behind-the-scenes look at professional basketball. It was an opportunity to develop their skills, expand their professional networks, and explore careers spanning sports, entertainment, media, marketing, human resources, and community impact. As they stepped onto one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment stages, these Spelman students brought with them the leadership, creativity and commitment to service cultivated at the College, demonstrating the many places a Spelman education can take them. 

Follow the students’ summer experiences using the hashtag #NBAHBCUFellowship and by following @nbafoundation.