Commerce Bank empowers young athletes at Sophie Cunningham Classic.

When elite high school girls basketball players from across the nation converged on Columbia, MO, for the fourth annual Sophie Cunningham Classic, they came for more than just competition. Thanks to Commerce Bank’s continued partnership with the tournament, each player left with something just as valuable as game experience: financial education tools to help them navigate their future.

The tournament, hosted by professional basketball star Sophie Cunningham, has become a premier showcase for high school girls basketball. This year’s event featured a number of nationally ranked teams and highly recruited players. But what sets this tournament apart is Cunningham’s commitment to supporting young women in multiple ways.

“These girls are going to take care of the basketball part,” Cunningham says. “I want to make sure they feel the love off the court as well.”

That off-court support came in the form of a financial education booklet provided to every player through Commerce Bank’s sponsorship. The packets included practical resources designed specifically for high school-age athletes, covering topics from building budgets and reading bank statements to saving for college and buying their first car.

“Some of these kids could be making a lot of money at a very young age once they get to college, but it’s relevant information for anybody,” Cunningham says. “Understanding personal finance is a key piece to being successful off the court.”

For Cunningham, who grew up in Columbia, financial literacy is personal. She credits having mentors in the financial world with helping her manage her professional earnings wisely.

“I know that I can enjoy my life now, but saving is a huge thing,” she says. “Some of these athletes may not have a family member or other mentor who’s knowledgeable about money, so they may not know about personal finance yet. Because of that, Commerce’s partnership is huge to us. It’s huge to the girls and their families.”

The partnership between Commerce Bank and the Sophie Cunningham Classic reflects a shared belief that financial education should start early. “Knowing how to handle your money is just as important as knowing how to handle a ball,” Cunningham says. “Money skills give you freedom, confidence and options.”

Commerce Bank’s commitment to the tournament extends beyond financial education materials. The bank’s support contributes to an elite-level experience for young athletes who bring not just their skills, but their families to Columbia for the weekend of competition.

“I truly do hope that they feel that being at an elite-level competition, you can have so much joy in it,” Cunningham says. “Basketball teaches you so many life lessons.”

What makes the Sophie Cunningham Classic special is the tournament founder’s hands-on involvement. She is intentional about being present throughout the weekend, offering mentorship, taking photos and answering questions.

“When I was growing up, you’d go to tournaments hosted by professional athletes, and you think they’re going to be there, but it ends up just being another basketball game,” she says. “If we’re going to throw something, I want this to be special for the girls. I want to be there 24/7.”

For Cunningham, the Classic serves as a reminder of why she fell in love with basketball in the first place. “This event just means the world that I can give back to the next generation,” she says. “When I can give back to my local community, it just means more.”

Through its partnership with the Sophie Cunningham Classic, Commerce Bank is helping young athletes develop the financial knowledge to support that bigger future –- whatever path they choose to take.