Elijah Pinckney ’26 has been selected to join the USA Basketball Foundation’s Torch Leadership in Sport Mentoring Cohort, a highly competitive national program designed to cultivate the next generation of BIPOC leaders in the sports industry.
Chosen from a pool of more than 230 applicants, Pinckney is one of just ten students nationwide selected for the 2026 cohort. The Torch program runs from September 2025 through May 2026 and provides participants with direct mentorship from USA Basketball executive staff, access to industry leaders, and in person learning experiences focused on career development across the sports ecosystem.
Administered by the USA Basketball Foundation, Torch supports high achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to service. Participants represent colleges and universities from across the country and are selected for their ability to lead with integrity while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
A key contributor to the Maroon Tigers baseball program, he has distinguished himself through discipline, teamwork, and leadership. His selection to the Torch cohort reflects not only his athletic success, but also his broader aspirations to create impact within the world of sports beyond competition.
Torch was established to empower minority students by introducing them to professional opportunities at USA Basketball and other sports related organizations. Through mentorship and exposure, the program helps students envision and prepare for careers in sports management, operations, marketing, governance, and related fields.
“The continued value of the Torch Leadership program is evident not only in the accomplishments of our mentees but also in the continued and growing interest in this program as a marquee opportunity for young people,” said Jennifer Lynne Williams, chief development officer of the USA Basketball Foundation. “Over the last three years, it has been a pleasure to get to know each of our Torch alumni while watching them move on to amazing opportunities. Many of these students have gone on to earn full time positions in sports, gain acceptance into top graduate schools, and find other ways to pursue their passion.”
Pinckney joins a distinguished group of student leaders in the 2026 Torch cohort and continues a proud Morehouse tradition of producing scholar athletes prepared to lead with purpose. His selection highlights the College’s commitment to developing men who are equipped not only to excel in their chosen fields, but also to shape the future of their industries with vision and service.