For Mitchell Rice, community involvement isn’t a concept, it’s a responsibility shaped by the people who believed in him early on. One of those people was Mitchell Hercule, a coach, mentor and long-time advocate for youth athletics whose influence would leave a lasting mark on Rice’s life.
While Rice was attending high school in Boston, he met Hercule, the school's track and field coach. Coaching was only one part of the picture when it came to their relationship. Hercule was deeply invested in the success of the young people around him, especially student athletes who needed structure, encouragement and someone willing to open doors.
"Mr. Hercule taught us about 'respecting the process,'" said Rice. "To me, this highlights the importance of patience, consistency and continued effort. Growth, whether personal, academic or professional, takes time and success is achieved through ongoing dedication and development."
Years later, that early connection evolved into a meaningful relationship between Rice, now Assistant Store Manager in Roslindale, Massachusetts, at TD, and The Hoops Collaborative, the nonprofit Hercule founded to support young people on and off the basketball court.
The Hoops Collaborative: providing accessibility to youth athletes
As an adult, Rice reconnected with Hercule and became involved with Hoops Collaborative, as a volunteer and a resource for students and their families.
Hoops Collaborative operates with a simple but powerful mission: creating access to basketball, offering free programming across Boston neighborhoods, and welcoming youth of all ages and genders.
Through basketball skill-building, leadership development and mentorship, Hoops Collaborative provides a safe and supportive outlet for young people to grow, both on and off the court. Under Hercule’s leadership, the organization continues to expand and has garnered the attention of lawmakers including Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who recognized the impact The Hoops Collaborative is having on the Boston community.
Mentorship comes full circle
Rice plays an active role in mentoring young people who are walking paths like his own.
Whether he’s cheering from the sidelines or offering guidance beyond the game, his goal is to be a consistent and trusted presence.
That full-circle moment, once mentored, now mentoring, is what makes his involvement with Hoops Collaborative especially meaningful.
“Impact starts with being present,” said Rice. “It’s about building trust, listening and offering guidance when it matters. Representing TD while giving back to the same community that played a formative role in my own life shows what it means to be More Human and a trusted presence in the neighborhoods we serve."
Expanding influence beyond basketball
This impact came to life during TD Kids Day with the Boston Celtics last fall, when Rice answered a call from TD’s sponsorship team to identify a local nonprofit that could benefit from the experience. Rice educated the team about Hoops Collaborative and soon TD, the Celtics and Hoops Collaborative created a relationship that has extended well beyond that experience. The youth at Hoops Collaborative later received tickets for a special on‑court experience at TD Garden, and 45 program members were invited to play pickup‑style basketball and experience the TD Garden court.
These were the first NBA experiences for many of these youth athletes. They met players, practiced drills and saw themselves featured on the jumbotron. One player spoke with the students about his journey to the NBA and offered a message about the importance of staying focused, maintaining strong academic performance, and surrounding yourself with supportive leaders and mentors.
“The relationship between The Hoops Collaborative and TD has been a powerful example of what meaningful community partnership looks like," Hercule said. "From creating unforgettable experiences like trips to TD Garden to showing up through celebrations and volunteer support, TD has gone above and beyond. Their presence reinforces to our participants that their community believes in them, both on and off the court.”
Now a TD client, The Hoops Collaborative continues to flourish. Through shared nonprofit relationships, the organization continues to explore opportunities that align with its mission of financial education and community impact.
“This is bigger than basketball,” Rice said. “It’s about community, mentorship, and making sure the next generation has the opportunities I wish I was given growing up.”
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