(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – April 14, 2026) — Kayla Thornton still remembers the feeling of walking the halls at Irvin High School. Today, she is a standout in the WNBA, but on Friday, April 10, she returned to her roots to ensure that the next generation of Northeast El Paso students has the mentorship and support needed to reach their own professional heights. With the launch of the Kayla Thornton Kairos Foundation, a new era of leadership is beginning for the Irvin feeder pattern.
The foundation’s name, Kairos, refers to a decisive moment for action. For Thornton, that moment arrived during a period of recovery from an injury, which allowed her to pause and reflect on her purpose beyond the basketball court.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to my community and this was one of my Kairos moments, to come back to El Paso and give back my knowledge and to help kids who are facing mental health struggles,” Thornton shared. “It’s a dream come true to do what I’m doing. I think I’m living out my dream and my purpose.”
SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE: WNBA Star, alum Kayla Thornton visits Irvin High School
The initiative is uniquely designed to support the schools Thornton attended: Whitaker Elementary, Canyon Hills Middle School, and Irvin High School. By focusing on this specific feeder pattern, the foundation creates a sustainable bridge of mentorship and resources from elementary through graduation.
The foundation works to build character, promote community responsibility, and provide access to opportunities in athletics and service. As Thornton puts it, El Paso is a "hidden gem," and she wants to ensure its youth realize they can achieve anything regardless of their background.
For the students currently walking those same halls, Thornton’s presence is a powerful reminder of what is possible with hard work.
“I feel really excited about this initiative because someone of her caliber is coming to us and making sure we have a voice,” said Angelina Gomez, an Irvin sophomore. “I think Kayla helps to change the stereotype about Irvin and lets people know that there is so much talent here.”
Fellow sophomore Andrea Madrid noted the sense of pride the initiative brings to the campus. “I feel like this will bring new opportunities to Irvin and allow people to see the great things about us.”
Irvin High School Principal Robert “Bobby” Stives emphasized that Thornton serves as the ultimate role model for the foundation’s core values of hard work and discipline.
“Kayla is a prime example of hard work; she had to work hard to get to where she wants to be,” Stives said. “I think that our kids, especially the kids from El Paso, have to realize that anything you want in life, you have to work hard for, and when you do, you can achieve the things you really want.”
As Thornton balances her professional career with her new role as a foundation president, her focus remains on the students walking the same halls she once did.
“It’s a dream come true,” Thornton said. “I’m blessed with the resources I’ve been able to have, so to bring those resources to El Paso and hopefully see El Paso grow and get put back on the map, that’s the goal.”