Washington Capitals Rising Stars Academy

ABOUT THIS ENTRY

The Capitals Rising Stars Academy (RSA) is a DEIB-driven youth hockey program rooted in accessibility, community partnership, and equity of opportunity. Designed to introduce and sustain participation in hockey for youth from underrepresented backgrounds, RSA breaks down traditional cultural barriers to hockey and provides elite-level on-ice and off-ice skill development, unique programming, mentorship, culturally competent coaching, and an overall community where young athletes feel seen, valued, and supported. 

The Rising Stars Academy ensures a safe, welcoming environment for all participants regardless of race, income level, or prior experience. 

The program’s success lies in transformation — creating a space where young players feel seen, valued, and supported while fostering long-term engagement with the sport. The Capitals Rising Stars Academy sets a new standard for how professional sports organizations can meaningfully invest in equity while authentically engaging their communities. 

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

The Rising Stars Academy represents Excellence in Engagement because it measures success not only by participation — but by belonging. 

One participant, Myles, shared that he does not feel safe on his current travel hockey team due to repeated experiences with racism. When asked how he feels at Rising Stars Academy events, he said simply: “I feel loved.” 

That statement defines the program’s impact. 

Rising Stars sets a new benchmark by proving that engagement is not transactional — it is transformational. The Academy creates a consistent, affirming home for players who may not feel protected or represented elsewhere in the sport. It demonstrates that professional teams can build trust by centering safety, dignity, and cultural inclusion. 

By elevating authentic player voices like Myles’, the program shifts the industry standard from access alone to emotional security and community care. It challenges sports organizations to move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives and instead create environments where every child feels valued. 

The Capitals Rising Stars Academy shows that true engagement is built when participants don’t just play — they belong. 

Objective

The Rising Stars Academy was created with a clear objective: dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent diverse youth from accessing high-level coaching, meaningful connections in hockey, and pathways to success, all while creating a space where players feel like they belong. The Rising Stars Academy is made up of young athletes from various teams and leagues across the Washington, D.C. metro area, and is a place where no matter your team, league, or skill, you will always be supported. 

Key goals for the Rising Stars Academy include: 

• Expanding participation among underrepresented racial and socioeconomic groups 

• Creating a safe, affirming environment where players can thrive 

• Creating a home away from home, where players know their thoughts, opinions, and values are welcomed and encouraged 

• Establishing a long-term development pathway into the sport 

• Embedding cultural competency and belonging into program design 

The Rising Stars Academy was built to sustain engagement by fostering confidence, mentorship, and family inclusion. By intentionally designing for equity rather than retrofitting for diversity, the Rising Stars Academy aims to reshape the sport’s pipeline and ensure that opportunity in hockey reflects the diversity of the D.C. region. 

Strategy & Execution

The Rising Stars Academy was strategically designed to resonate with today’s sports fan — one who values authenticity, equity, and meaningful community impact. 

At its core, the Academy focuses on removing financial barriers to high-level coaching and premium hockey experiences that are often inaccessible to many families. Participants receive elite instruction rooted in skill development, leadership, and confidence-building — opportunities that traditionally require significant financial investment. By democratizing access to this caliber of coaching, the program ensures talent and passion — not income — determine opportunity. 

Equally important is the community experience. The Academy intentionally cultivates a safe, affirming environment where players build relationships with mentors, peers, and the broader Capitals community. Families are welcomed into Capitals spaces through special events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and shared moments that deepen emotional connection to the team and the sport. 

Storytelling across digital and in-arena platforms elevates participant journeys, allowing fans to see the tangible impact of the initiative. By combining elite development with intentional belonging and visibility, the Academy reflects the values of modern audiences who expect sports organizations to lead with purpose and create access to transformative experiences.

Organizations

• Washington Capitals

  Monumental Sports & Entertainment

  Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation

Links

•   Website

Credits

Amanda Tischler
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Washington Capitals

Jessie Thompson
Director, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Hunter Lochmann
Chief Marketing Officer
Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Andrew Nash
Manager, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Zoey Pellowitz
On-Ice Coordinator, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Michael Janke
Off-Ice Coordinator, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Elizabeth Pace
President & Executive Director
Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation

Duante' Abercrombie
Head Ice Hockey Coach
Tennessee State University

Bryan King
Ice Hockey Director
Friends of Fort Dupont

Washington Capitals Black Hockey Committee
N/A
Washington Capitals