The Kyle Kuzma Foundation: How a Single Mother Became the Village She Needed
Kyle and Karri Kuzma (Instagram/ karrikuzma)
The greatest athletes in the world are the ones that make it look easy. But effortless results come from years of hard work, sacrifices, and a great support system to keep you motivated. In Kyle Kuzma's case, that inspiration comes directly from his mom. As a single parent, Karri always ensured Kyle had everything he needed to succeed, working two jobs to make ends meet. He fondly credits her for instilling that unstoppable work ethic and sense of perseverance:
“That’s been my inspiration my entire life, and seeing that at a young age and how someone like her was just leading by example for her kids and everything, it was all I really needed.”
With an NBA championship under his belt and a thriving career with the Washington Wizards, Kyle has found tremendous professional success—something he attributes greatly to his mom's sacrifices and unwavering support. Knowing firsthand how hard his mom worked to provide for their family, he created the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation, an organization whose primary focus is supporting single mothers and their children. Kyle and his mother, Karri, graciously opened up to Sportsish in an exclusive interview, letting us in on a very formative time of their lives and how it shaped the path he's currently following, both in the NBA and through his foundation.
“She had to juggle so much, and her strength and resilience really inspired me. We wanted to create a foundation that gave back to single mothers and their families, helping them access resources and opportunities that might not be available otherwise. It’s personal for me, and we want to make a difference where it counts the most.”
Karri was a Junior at Hillsdale College on a track and field scholarship when she found out she was pregnant, describing it as "one of the scariest times of my life." She decided to quit college to raise Kyle, thus beginning her lifelong pursuit of giving him the best possible life.
“In the end, it was my decision, and I do not regret any of my decisions. Once I made up my mind about what I wanted to do, there was no looking back.”
After all they went through together, these tremendous efforts didn't go unnoticed. Kyle has an immense admiration for his mom and credits her as his biggest inspiration. As a devoted mother, she taught him the importance of perseverance, and her constant resilience instilled in him a strong work ethic.
“Her unconditional love and support has shaped how I approach my own life and the work we do with our Foundation. I strive to honor her lessons by being a positive influence in the lives of others, just like she was for me.”
Kyle Kuzma during his time playing basketball at the University of Utah (Facebook/ Kyle Kuzma)
Kyle grew up playing basketball from a very young age—shooting hoops in his backyard or attending the local YMCA in his native Flint, Michigan, where he would spend hours every day waiting for Karri to finish work. His passion for the sport kept him focused, and he learned to channel the lessons from his mom, turning them into an unwavering dedication to keep practicing and staying off the streets. Witnessing this, Karri could see he was destined for something great, but the NBA seemed far out of their expectations. It wasn't until Kyle's junior year of playing for the University of Utah that the picture finally became evident in her head.
“It was then I knew he would be in the NBA. His senior year in high school was when I saw there was a chance. He had a huge growth spurt and really started playing well. His freshman year in high school he barely played. His sophomore year he was mediocre at best. I think in 7th or 8th grade he got cut. But I say all this to show that means this kid got determined at one point and put his head down and never looked back. This is a testament to his hard work and his dedication. I know how hard he’s worked.”
Now that he's fulfilling his dreams in the big leagues, the roles have reversed; Karri is now the admirer. Watching him have all this success in the NBA is what she describes as her "greatest joy." She considers him "my idol and one of the greatest humans I know. He's very giving and kindhearted."
Kyle and Karri sharing a heartwarming hug (Instagram/kuz)
Their mutual admiration for each other and the many milestones they've achieved together inspired them to create the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation. When Kyle decided to establish the nonprofit, choosing Karri as president was an obvious decision; she was the perfect fit for the role.
“My mom embodies everything I want our Foundation to represent. She has a natural ability to connect with people and understands the importance of community. Having her lead our Foundation feels right, and I’m excited about the positive changes we are bringing together.”
As someone who has been in that position before, Karri understands the struggles single mothers go through and hopes the foundation can serve them with more than just material aid, but instead create an entire support network where they feel safe and encouraged. When describing what she hopes to give them, she shared:
“Support! Encouragement! Help! Just someone in my corner who truly cares and that will help. Not everyone has a strong family to fall back on or brothers and sisters. I was an only child. Just letting single mothers know that there is someone who cares, and there’s someone out there to support and guide you as well as your children, and to support all of you and help you follow your dreams.”
Kyle and Kerri during their first annual celebrity golf outing (Instagram/ kylekuzmafamilyfoundation)
The foundation has been in action for over a year, with incredible contributions made in that time. Kyle's first big move was to donate $1 million to Flint's YMCA, a place that once served as his safe haven (even calling it his "home away from home") and fostered him to become the player and man he is today. Most recently, he teamed up with Lovesac to provide 15 single mothers and their children with a piece of furniture.
“Teaming up with Lovesac to gift furniture to those single mothers and their children was an amazing experience for me. Plus, a Lovesac Sactionals was actually my first new couch purchase when I entered the NBA. Lovesac has such a great reputation for quality and comfort, and I grew up wishing my family could have new furniture, so I thought it would be the perfect way to pay it forward and give mothers and their kids something they can enjoy together. Whether it’s to relax, watch movies, or just spend quality time, I believe those moments matter and are some of the ones I cherish most with my mom.”
The bond this mother and son share transcends any of life's obstacles, bringing them closer together while helping them understand that many people go through the same hardships. The level of empathy they carry is reflected in the foundation and its mission, an incredibly honorable movement that deserves the rightful recognition. Kyle knows it doesn't always take a village; sometimes, a strong mother with unwavering determination will be enough.
“To all the single mothers out there, we want to emphasize that your strength, resilience, and love for your children are unmatched. Know that you’re not alone in this journey, and you are so loved and respected.”