While the competition on the court is intense, the league is about far more than basketball. Players gain access to a range of resources through YES Indy, including opportunities to complete their high school education, receive career coaching, and earn industry-recognized certifications in fields like health care, advanced manufacturing and construction. YES Indy also addresses common barriers such as transportation, housing, and childcare, ensuring young people have the support they need to succeed. 

For Omavi Banks, 25, the PIVOT League became a turning point. 

“Being in the Pivot League was a blessing,” Banks said. 

Banks first connected with EmployIndy and YES Indy through the league, where he has served as a team captain for several years. Initially drawn in by the opportunity to play competitive basketball, he quickly realized the experience offered something deeper. What set the PIVOT League apart, Banks explained, was the level of care and intentional support offered to participants. 

“They also cared about the individual,” he said. “And when you’re in the league, you can’t just play and then you leave.” 

Instead, each participant is encouraged to connect with career navigators and explore resources available through YES Indy. 

“It’s definitely a big part,” Banks said. “They have all these different resources available to young people that many of us are not aware of.” 

This model transforms the league into more than a recreational outlet. For many players, it becomes a structured support system focused on long-term growth and stability. 

“Overall, it’s like a mentorship program in a way,” Banks said. “Especially when you’re showing that you’re engaged and that you’re trying and you want to do more. The league is there not only for you to do more athletically but do more mentally as well.” 

Today, Banks is looking ahead, with a vision rooted in community impact. He hopes to develop comprehensive plans that improve socioeconomic outcomes in underserved neighborhoods, including increased access to education, financial resources, and green spaces. 

His story reflects EmployIndy’s broader mission to intentionally reach young adults who are disconnected from traditional pathways and help them discover new possibilities. 

In 2025, 681 young people participated in YES Indy services. More than half transitioned into education, credential training, or career pathways—generating $17.1 million in community impact.