From the Court to the Community: Shaunzinski Gortman’s Mission to Empower the Next Generation
Former WNBA star and international basketball standout Shaunzinski Gortman is using her passion for the game to change lives off the court. Now a coach, mentor, and philanthropist, Gortman leads SC Infinite Dreams (I.D.R.E.A.M.S.), a powerful nonprofit dedicated to developing young girls into future leaders through basketball, academics, and personal growth.
Founded on a mission to motivate, inspire, and empower, SC Infinite Dreams provides life skills training, promotes academic excellence, and nurtures health and wellness — all while fostering creativity and self-discovery. Gortman and her team of dedicated mentors help young women develop values like integrity, discipline, teamwork, and positive leadership, encouraging each athlete to recognize her unique strengths and reach her full potential.
In just eight years, SC Infinite Dreams has impacted over 400 young female athletes across South Carolina. The program celebrated its first graduating class in 2016, proudly seeing 5 athletes earn athletic scholarships and 10 secure academic scholarships. Today, that number has grown to 7 athletic and 16 academic scholarship recipients, with 43 current students working toward their own college dreams.
But Gortman’s influence stretches far beyond the basketball court. She also serves as a Deputy Sheriff in Richland County’s Youth Services Department, advocating for at-risk children and families. Her deep love for her community drives her latest initiative — a global alliance of child care centers, nonprofits, and youth organizations to provide free mentoring, leadership programs, and STEM training for underserved youth.
In recognition of her unwavering dedication, Gortman has been awarded her own national holiday. Starting this year, National iDream Day will be celebrated every December 19, honoring the potential of underprivileged and at-risk youth across the nation.
From WNBA courts to community classrooms, Shaunzinski Gortman is proving that dreams don’t just happen — they’re built, nurtured, and shared.
