SAN ANTONIO – Cheers and tears filled Harlandale High School on Monday afternoon when San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell surprised student-athletes with new shoes and a major donation to the school’s athletic department.
Vassell, who has quickly become a beloved figure in the community, teamed up with Dick’s Sporting Goods to provide shoes for the school’s varsity basketball teams. The excitement among the players was palpable as they eagerly anticipated trying on their new footwear after the surprise was revealed.
During the event, Vassell also presented a generous $10,000 check to Harlandale’s athletic department, emphasizing that his visit was about much more than just basketball. In his words, “I’m glad I was able to make a positive impact! Hope u guys enjoy the shoes and have a great season! GSG🖤🤍”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Vassell shared how meaningful it was for him when professional athletes gave back to young players during his high school years. “I remember I had a guy named Zach Graham who played in the league for about a year or two. He used to have basketball camps back at my high school and he used to just give a lot of knowledge and help us out,” Vassell recalled. “It was just super important that he was able to do that, and I’m trying to do that to the next generation.”
For Harlandale girls basketball sophomore center Perla Valenzuela, this moment was particularly significant. A dedicated Spurs fan since the age of eight, she expressed her excitement at meeting one of the players she admires. “I just feel very ecstatic. He’s one of the people that I go watch,” Valenzuela shared. “I love the Spurs.”
Valenzuela also highlighted the gift’s deeper meaning for students and families in the South Side community, stating, “Some of our parents can’t afford this, so getting this gift is a big thing. Because we’re from the South Side, we’re supposed to be the poor neighborhood, so him giving back, it just inspires me to do better with my life.”
Junior point guard Ethan De La Rosa, who plays on the boys’ basketball team, expressed his surprise at Vassell’s visit. “I was shocked. I did not know that this was going to happen,” De La Rosa admitted. “I was not expecting to see an NBA player here at school, and to get shoes from him was a great experience.”
Vassell’s visit resonated deeply across the campus, reinforcing the meaningful connection between the Spurs and the South Side community, which is known for its passionate support of the team. “I’ve been blessed in this position to be able to give back, and I feel like it’s just a calling for me and my family to be able to give back to certain communities,” Vassell stated. “I want to be able to impact everybody. The game is bigger than just basketball.”
