A Look at How Far We Have Come
Run It Back is a national basketball nonprofit that helps people all around the United States bond, connect, and grow through a shared love of co-ed basketball. Although Run It Back has expanded significantly since it was first founded back in 2021, we wanted to take some time to explore where it all began and where we are now.
This is our story.
Founding Run It Back: Elevating Co-Ed Sports
The Run It Back story first started in 2010 with our founder, Lexi. Lexi always had a deep passion for basketball, but in high school, she ran into a problem—her school didn’t have a girls’ basketball team.
As a freshman in high school, she had to make a very difficult decision—either play on a boys’ varsity basketball team or not play basketball at all. Neither of these options was ideal, but Lexi knew that she could not give up the game she loved so much. She chose the game, and she made the bold decision to be the only female player on the varsity team, taking her team from a boys’ team to a co-ed sports team.
Lexi was the only girl in IPPSAL history to play on a boys’ varsity basketball team.
During her time on the team, Lexi worked to become a Division I athlete—and she succeeded. Even though her early decision made it nearly impossible for her to get scouted, she refused to limit herself and put her heart, body, and mind into becoming the best athlete she could be. She achieved Division I status and realized that she wanted to do more to make the game better for everyone.
Committed to creating a diverse and engaging space focused on basketball, she started hosting co-ed open runs. At the time, she was tired of seeing one female and nine males playing on the court. Co-ed basketball was fine, but she wanted more of a balance. Lexi hoped to see a shared space where everyone could enjoy the game together.
In 2021, Run It Back was born.
As expected, Run It Back started small—but it did not stay that way. With Lexi and her team’s hard work, Run It Back turned into a collection of communities spread all around the nation. Hoping to share the same opportunity she was given in 2010, she sculpted Run It Back to empower a growing list of groups to play co-ed sports and have fun doing it.
Our Modern Focus
At Run It Back, we live by a shared belief: play the game, build a network, and advance your career—all while staying involved in the sport you love.
What started as a way to play co-ed basketball and connect with others has quickly turned into a collaborative space that brings people together for fun, support, and professional development. With a focus on mentorship and networking, Run It Back has created a shared space for those who love basketball and are always chasing down their next big challenge.
Join Us and Run It Back Today!
At Run It Back, we help those who love sports but didn’t make a career out of them to continue to enjoy their craft after school is done. With each meetup, former athletes can play the game they love, build their own professional network, and support and educate a younger generation all at the same time.
If you are looking to connect and play, join our community today!
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