The foundation was created by Cassandra Cunningham, a lifelong athlete, national team rower, and coach with more than 30 years of experience working with student-athletes at the youth, collegiate, and national levels. Throughout her career, Cassandra has worked with students facing violence, poverty, learning disabilities, and personal loss. Across every environment, she saw the same truth: sport has the power to transform confidence, discipline, and hope.

But she also saw something else—

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

That realization became the foundation for what El Sol de Sylvia would become.

The inspiration behind the organization is deeply personal. At four years old, Cassandra survived a murder-suicide that took the lives of her mother, grandfather, and father. She would not learn the full truth until years later. In a time when trauma was rarely discussed, she had to find her own path forward.

She found it in sport.

Through cross country, track, and ultimately rowing, Cassandra discovered structure, resilience, belonging, and a way to move forward. Sport became more than competition… it became a source of healing and a catalyst for growth.

“The first time my life was saved was by my mother. The second time, it was saved by sport.”

Years later, after building a successful coaching career and founding the P3PE School of Physical Education, Cassandra felt called to do something bigger. Something that connected her past with her present. Her story— with a greater purpose.

El Sol de Sylvia is that next chapter.

Named in honor of her mother, Sylvia, the foundation reflects the light that shaped Cassandra’s life, and extends it outward to others. Today, alongside her husband, former students, and a growing community of partners and supporters, Cassandra is building a foundation that ensures more young people have access to the same life-changing opportunities that helped shape her own journey.

When young people have access to sport, they’re given more than just training. They’re given structure, mentorship, confidence, and the chance to change the trajectory of their lives.