Since the inception of the team in 1999, the Miami SOL has implemented programs that address important social issues and focus on the improvement of life for all people. The combination of league and local community outreach programs has resulted in effective interaction and built lasting and meaningful relationships between the team and the South Florida community.

Included in the SOL’s community outreach initiatives are the following programs:

Breast Health Awareness – Breast Health Awareness is a core initiative of the WNBA since its inaugural season. In support of this effort, the SOL designates a home game each year and the coaches, players and fans get decked out in pink shirts and specially designed ribbons to increase public awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. In addition to the numerous in-arena activities that took place last year, the SOL took part in the Sears WNBA Breast Health Awareness Auction with Suzanne McLean of Davie, Florida, winning the opportunity to challenge SOL center Ruth Riley to a game of H.O.R.S.E. The Sears WNBA Breast Health Auction generated $72,687 to benefit the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO) with Sears donating $50,000 to NABCO as part of the fundraiser, making the total amount raised $122,687.

Read to Achieve – Read to Achieve is a year-round, league-wide initiative that promotes the value of reading and on-line literacy and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children. As part of this important initiative, the SOL has created and operates three SOL Reading Rockhouses with two located at elementary schools and one at a middle school. All three Reading Rockhouses serve as a SOL Mecca for kids where they can take time out to relax on couches and basketball bean bags and read from a variety of books. Periodically, a SOL player or staff member visits and reads to the children appropriate theme based selections that coordinate with the lessons taught at our after school programs.

WNBA Sportsmanship Initiative - In an effort to promote the ideals of sportsmanship in amateur and professional basketball players, the SOL partakes in the NBA/WNBA Student-Athlete Sportsmanship program and the NBA and WNBA Sportsmanship Awards. The program will include seminars/clinics and a ticket incentive program along with the presentation of the award during a Miami SOL home game.

National Girls & Women in Sports Day – The SOL holds an annual event at the AmericanAirlines Arena to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day in February. The event has drawn more than 800 high school and middle school girls as the SOL puts on a basketball clinic and speaks to the students about career opportunities in sports on and off the court.

Miami SOL Junior Hoop League – In an effort to help support the flourishing popularity of women sports across the country, the SOL operates the Nike/SOL Junior Hoop League (NSJHL). The NSJHL serves as an umbrella for many of the local YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts and city recreational basketball league programs to help garner exposure for girls basketball between the ages of 7-17. As part of the Nike/SOL Junior Hoop League, SOL players and coaches visit local youth organizations and schools to promote the importance of sportsmanship and conduct clinics to enhance the overall basketball experience.

SOL Pool School - In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the SOL supports a water safety program that targets inner city youth. The purpose of the initiative is to promote general water safety guidelines and habits for children. The SOL, in collaboration with the American Red Cross and Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation, participated in a special “April Pool Day” event on April 8.

SOL SHEROES Community Partnership - In an effort to reach and positively influence women and children of all ages and backgrounds, the SOL implements the SOL SHEROES Ticket Program. Every SOL player makes a donation of season tickets to local community groups, women’s charitable organizations and underprivileged children. The organizations are provided the chance to meet and thank their “SOL SHERO” prior to a game and periodically meet with them throughout the SOL season.

Be Active – The SOL implements the WNBA Be Active Program each year with several exciting components including two youth clinics, Be Active Boot Camp, Be Active In- Arena Night and Be Active Week. Be Active is a 16-city grassroots initiative that encourages people to adhere to the program’s core message “Play Fit, Stay Fit”.