Minnesota rookie forward Reshanda Gray has had an eventful few weeks. First came the WNBA Draft, where she was taken in the second round by the Lynx and given an opportunity to continue her basketball career.

Then she signed her first professional contract. The Lynx made her signing official Monday in a press release posted on the team’s website. But while those two milestones are massive feats for anyone pursuing a professional sports career, it was a gesture made for Gray off the court that might be the most exciting part of her past few weeks.

The California women’s basketball program presented Gray with a check to help start her new foundation, according to one of Gray’s post on SportsBlog.com. Donors and fans gathered $12,000 to help Gray start “No Gray Areas.”

Known for her tenacity and drive on the court, Gray has just as much passion and desire to give back and help others off the court. Gray, a South Los Angeles native, benefited from after-school programs, like After-School All-Stars, that helped get her on the path to success both in the classroom and on the hardwood. After realizing she had a chance to play basketball at a collegiate level, Gray had a discussion with her high school’s athletic director where she decided she wanted to give back to her community.

Gray realized she wanted more than to just play basketball at the next level. She wanted to make an impact in low-income communities, like the neighborhoods where she grew up, by reaching out to kids, building their self-esteem and getting them on the right track.

Now, with the generosity of Cal fans and donors, her foundation will give her the opportunity to do just that.