Building Wyoming’s next generation of leaders.

The Maury and Bonnie Brown Leadership Academy is at the heart of the Wyoming Rising experience. Designed to help athletes become leaders on the court, in their communities, and throughout their lives, the Academy combines basketball with real-world leadership experiences.

In addition to competing at the highest level across the county, participants engage with Wyoming leaders, business professionals, coaches, and community members while exploring topics such as character, communication, teamwork, responsibility, and goal-setting. The goal is simple: develop athletes who are prepared not only to compete, but to become Wyoming’s next generation of leaders.

All of this is made possible through the generosity of the Maury and Bonnie Brown Foundation.

A Typical Week

Athletes arrive and begin the week with orientation, team building, and goal-setting. The day includes two basketball practices focused on evaluation, fundamentals, and team development, along with the first leadership group session with Josh Adams and individual leadership coaching. The evening focuses on getting to know teammates and establishing expectations for the week.
Tuesday connects the athletes with Wyoming’s leaders. The day includes two practices, a meeting with the Governor of Wyoming, and leadership sessions with Josh Adams focused on character, communication, accountability, and decision-making. Individual coaching sessions give each athlete an opportunity to work on personal leadership goals.
Athletes spend Wednesday learning from successful Wyoming business and community leaders. Along with two practices, the day includes leadership group work, individual coaching with Josh Adams, and conversations about leadership, career development, and life beyond basketball. The evening brings the team together to reflect on what they have learned and prepare for the next phase of the experience.
Thursday is a transition day as the team travels to Phoenix for the AAU tournament. The focus shifts from classroom and leadership experiences to representing Wyoming on a national stage. After arriving and settling in, the team will have dinner, review tournament expectations, and prepare mentally and physically for competition.
The Academy officially moves into competition as the Wyoming Rising team takes the court at the AAU tournament. Players compete against high-level teams while coaches and mentors emphasize communication, teamwork, resilience, and leadership under pressure. Between games, athletes will have opportunities for recovery, film review, individual feedback, and team reflection.
The final day is about competing, reflecting, and finishing the experience strong. After the final tournament games, athletes come together for a closing leadership session with Josh Adams, reflect on the week, and identify the lessons they will take home. The Academy concludes with a focus on becoming better basketball players, teammates, leaders, and members of their communities.
The final day is about competing, reflecting, and finishing the experience strong. After the final tournament games, athletes come together for a closing leadership session with Josh Adams, reflect on the week, and identify the lessons they will take home. The Academy concludes with a focus on becoming better basketball players, teammates, leaders, and members of their communities.

Let's go, Wyoming. We've got to keep Wyoming going…There's no better place”

-Maury Brown

About Maury

academy leadership

The Wyoming Rising Volunteer Leadership Team is made up of individuals who bring their experience, networks, and commitment to developing the next generation of Wyoming leaders. This group includes professionals, coaches, and community members who believe in the mission and invest their time to help guide and grow the program. Their leadership ensures Wyoming Rising remains grounded in community values while expanding its reach and impact statewide.