Damian Lillard shares ‘life-changing experience’ amid big move
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard may be sidelined with an Achilles injury, but he’s made sure to stay productive, especially when it comes to impacting the community.
In February, he launched the Damian Lillard Scholars Program to help Bay Area high school students get into Portland State University. Lillard grew up in Oakland and always returned to his hometown.
It was only fitting the first recipient of Lillard’s charity, Kayla Sisawat, is also from Oakland, according to a report by KPTV’s Anna Katayama. Sisavat will receive $25,000 annually for his four-year college education.
The 35-year-old Lillard, who grew up in a rough neighborhood, acknowledged the sign he can go to society, relying on his own experience.
“Earning a scholarship to attend an out-of-state college was a life-changing experience for me. I am honored to be able to help deserving students from my hometown have similar experiences,” the nine-time All-Star wrote on X.
Lillard was not highly recruited out of high school. He received a scholarship to Weber State, where he blossomed into a star. He eventually caught the attention of the NBA and was drafted by the Trail Blazers with the sixth overall pick in 2012.
While he left college early, he returned to Weber State for a few summers to take classes. In 2015, he completed his Diploma in Professional Sales and even joined the initial exercises.
Lillard’s return to Rip City in the offseason was warmly welcomed by the fans. He will forever be a legend in Portland – even more so with his continued philanthropy. Indeed, Dame Time is undefeated.
2025-11-26 04:46:00
