About Us
Our Mission
W.I.S.E Way empowers student athletes and underserved communities through mentorship, wellness education, and career-focused programs, helping them succeed in sports, academics, and life beyond the game.
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Our History
​W.I.S.E Way began as the #WeBall4Destin Foundation in 2016, founded by NFL player Mariel “Cooper” Wise in honor of his late brother, Destin. Over seven years, the foundation provided $30,000+ in scholarships and community support in Sumter, SC, earning recognition from NFL Network, local media, and the Aflac Midlands Gives Award. Click Here to learn more.
Our Core Values
Excellence
Doing It Right, Every Time
From academics to athletics, we push students to give their best while modeling the same standard ourselves.
Faith First
Leading with Purpose
We put God at the center of everything, giving Him glory in our work, actions, and the impact we create.
Empowerment
Unleashing Ambition
We give students the tools, knowledge, and confidence to dream big and chase those dreams beyond the game.
Leadership
Building Leaders, Not Followers
We equip students to lead their communities, teams, and themselves with accountability and vision.
Innovation
Breaking the Mold
We rethink how mentorship, STEM, and athletics intersect to create new opportunities for youth.
"By living out our core values every day, we give student athletes and youth the guidance, mentorship, and support I wish I had growing up. With the lessons I learned in the NFL and in engineering, we show them how to excel in sports, academics, and life beyond the game."
- Mariel Wise I Founder & CEO
"Where Individuals Soar to Excellence"