Life & Work with Cherrish Wallace of Pasadena, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherrish Wallace.

Hi Cherrish , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
“My journey started long before I ever knew where basketball could take me.

Growing up in Pasadena, resources were limited, and opportunities for kids like me to really go far in sports were few and far between. I attended Washington Middle School and John Muir High School, where basketball quickly became more than just a sport it was my first love and my outlet. It was the one thing that kept me focused and grounded and eventually opened doors that changed my life.

I earned multiple college offers and went on to play at Baylor University, where I studied education and won a National Championship. My time there wasn’t all smooth sailing I suffered a major injury early on that required surgery and a medical hardship year. It was my first real test, but it taught me how to fight through adversity. After recovering, I transferred to another Division I program and finished my college basketball career, officially retiring from the game in 2013.

But I never really walked away from basketball, I just found a new purpose in it. Growing up, I had to travel outside of Pasadena to get real exposure and play at a high level. That experience stuck with me, so I decided to create what I didn’t have as a kid: a homegrown program right here in my city that could give young athletes both access and opportunity.

In 2023, I launched Pasadena Tar Heel Basketball with just 11 boys. The next year, we had 40 boys. Now, we’ve grown to over 80 boys and 14 girls, with even more families on the waiting list. But for me, this program is bigger than basketball. It’s about giving kids structure, discipline, and a safe place to grow. We provide enrichment programs, mental health resources, and community connections because developing great athletes starts with developing great people.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road not at all.”

In college, as I mentioned I faced my first major injury, and that was one of the hardest moments of my life. I had worked for years to earn my spot at a Division I school, and suddenly, my body just wouldn’t move the way it used to. Physically it hurt, but mentally it took an even bigger toll. Back then, I didn’t understand mental health, anxiety, or how much your mind can affect your recovery. Looking back now, I realize I was dealing with all of that just without the language or the resources to really navigate it.

Fast forward to today, and I’m running a program in what’s still a very male-dominated industry. It’s rare to see a woman especially a Black woman leading, directing, and serving as the president of a youth basketball organization that’s on track to become something worth millions. That comes with its own set of challenges. Sometimes people don’t want to see you win, especially when you come in and build something strong, fast, and respected.

There are programs that have been around for 10 or 20 years, and I came in with Pasadena Tar Heels and, within two years, our numbers and community impact are surpassing expectations. That kind of growth attracts both love and criticism. But I’ve learned to stand firm in my purpose. I know who I am, I know my intentions, and I believe the energy you put out comes back to you.

So no, it hasn’t been easy but every challenge has shaped me into the woman, leader, and mentor I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“I wear a few different hats, but they all tie back to one purpose impact.”

I’m the President and Director of Pasadena Tar Heel Basketball, a youth sports and community program that I built from the ground up. Beyond that, I’m also a journalist, mentor, creative, and educator. Everything I do is centered around creating spaces where people especially young people can grow, heal, and believe in themselves.

I’m most proud of starting my own youth program and watching it become a home for so many families in Pasadena. I was the first in my family to go to college and finish, which still means a lot to me. And outside of sports, I’ve built my talk show platform, Unikke’ Opinions, which gives me and special guest a voice to speak on real-life topics and show their talents with performances.

What sets me apart is my authenticity. I’ve built everything with love, transparency, and consistency. I’m genuinely involved in my community not just showing up for photos but being there in real ways: mentoring kids, supporting families, and creating opportunities where there weren’t any before.

I think people feel that. They feel the energy, the intention, and the heart behind what I do. My name carries a positive reputation in my city because it’s rooted in service, not self. And I take a lot of pride in that.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always observant, laid-back, and mature for my age. I liked to study people and situations, and I took care of my business early on. But at the same time, I was definitely a jokester I loved keeping people laughing. I’ve always had that natural magnetism where people just gravitate toward me, and even as a kid, everyone wanted to hang out.

Basketball was my world, though. Everything I did somehow tied back to the game how I spent my time, who I surrounded myself with, and even how I carried myself. My family always said I was articulate and focused, but still knew how to bring fun and good energy everywhere I went. I think that balance being disciplined but still full of personality has carried me all the way to who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Pasadenatarheels.org
• Instagram: @pasadenatarheels @unikke_opinions