W.I.S.E Way

About Us

The W.I.S.E Way Program is a youth empowerment organization dedicated to developing student-athletes and underserved communities through mentorship, wellness education, and career-focused programming. Our mission is to equip young people with the tools, confidence, discipline, and leadership skills needed to succeed in sports, academics, and life beyond the game.

We believe athletics are more than competition — they are a catalyst for character, structure, and opportunity. Through intentional mentorship, scholarship support, and community engagement, W.I.S.E Way helps remove barriers and create pathways toward long-term success.

Founded in 2016 as the #WeBall4Destin Foundation by NFL athlete Mariel “Cooper” Wise, the organization was created in honor of his late brother, Destin. What began as a memorial initiative quickly evolved into a movement impacting hundreds of youth in Sumter, South Carolina.

Over seven years, the foundation awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships and provided meaningful community support. The organization earned recognition from NFL Network, local media outlets, and the Aflac Midlands Gives Award for its commitment to service and youth development.

Today, W.I.S.E Way continues that legacy through signature initiatives such as:

• The Destin Wise Memorial Scholarship

• The Do It BIG Pro Skills Camp

• The Do It BIG 7on7 Tournament

• The 12-Week DESTINy Mentorship Program

Each program is designed not only to elevate athletic performance, but to strengthen character, integrity, financial literacy, personal branding, and leadership — building well-rounded young leaders prepared for their future.

W.I.S.E Way is more than a program.

It is legacy in action.

It is mentorship with purpose.

It is The Wise Way.

Our Core Values

Everything we do is rooted in these five guiding principles:

Excellence

Doing It Right, Every Time

From academics to athletics, we push students to perform at their highest level while modeling the same standard ourselves.

Faith First

Leading with Purpose

We place God at the center of our work, giving Him glory through our actions, decisions, and community impact.

Empowerment

Unleashing Ambition

We equip youth with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to dream boldly and pursue those dreams beyond the game.

Leadership

Building Leaders, Not Followers

We develop students who lead with integrity, accountability, and vision in their schools, teams, and communities.

Innovation

Breaking the Mold

We redefine how mentorship, STEM, athletics, and leadership intersect to create new opportunities for youth development.

A Message from Our Founder

“W.I.S.E Way is built on legacy and purpose. By living out our core values every day, we give student-athletes the guidance and mentorship I wish I had growing up. This is bigger than football — it’s about building leaders who succeed in sports, academics, and life.”

— Mariel Wise

Founder & CEO