AU Pro Basketball Announces 2026 Impact Award Nominees
Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball has announced three nominees for the 2026 Impact Award, recognizing athletes who have demonstrated exceptional civic leadership through their athlete causes and community engagement.
Isabelle Harrison, Jacy Sheldon, and Lexie Brown have been selected as finalists for the honor, which celebrates athletes who use their platform to create meaningful change both on and off the court.
Isabelle Harrison | Lupus Foundation of America
Isabelle Harrison is representing the Lupus Foundation of America, a cause deeply personal to her family. Harrison lost her sister Danielle to lupus in 2017, and her brother Daniel is currently battling the disease. She has used her platform to advocate for lupus awareness throughout her professional career, including during the 2025 WNBA season when the New York Liberty launched an initiative to donate $100 for every block registered at Barclays Center to support the foundation.
Harrison has raised nearly $18,000 for the Lupus Foundation of America throughout her four seasons with Athletes Unlimited. She believes that civic leadership extends beyond the court and that community involvement is essential to making a meaningful impact.
Jacy Sheldon | Beyond Ability Matters
Jacy Sheldon is supporting Beyond Ability Matters, an organization that provides resources, experiences, and services to individuals with special needs. Sheldon’s connection to the cause is tied to her relationship with her sister Emmy, who has Down syndrome, and her aunt Kristyn, who serves as CEO of the organization.
Sheldon is committed to changing perceptions around individuals with special needs and Down syndrome by highlighting the joy, happiness, and love that individuals with disabilities bring to everyday life. She also serves as an ambassador for the organization and as a Voice in Sport mentor for young athletes.
Lexie Brown | Athletes vs. Crohn’s & Colitis
Lexie Brown is representing Athletes vs. Crohn’s & Colitis, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the adolescent population and helping young athletes realize their athletic potential despite living with chronic illness. Brown battled untreated and undiagnosed Crohn’s disease throughout the 2023 WNBA season before receiving a diagnosis and proper treatment. Her return to Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball in 2024 marked her first step back into the sport following her recovery.
The organization connects young people diagnosed with Crohn’s or colitis to athletes who have faced similar challenges, providing mentorship and inspiration to help them succeed. It also offers scholarships to high school student-athletes facing challenges related to the disease, and directs funds toward research and a cure.
At the end of each season, Athletes Unlimited, powered by Give Lively and the Give Lively Foundation, makes a grant equal to 100% of the athlete’s end-of-season win bonus to the non-profit of the athlete’s choice.
The Impact Award winner will be announced at the conclusion of the 2026 AU Pro Basketball season.
