Spurs Bring Joy to Flood-Ravaged Community

NBA team hosts students from Ingram and Hunt, offers support after devastating summer floods

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In the aftermath of devastating summer floods that claimed over 100 lives in Kerr County, Texas, the San Antonio Spurs stepped up to support the local community. The team hosted students from the affected towns of Ingram and Hunt at their practice facility, where players interacted with the kids, signed autographs, and held a Q&A session. The Spurs' outreach efforts, led by coach Mitch Johnson and other team executives, aim to provide emotional and ongoing support as the region recovers from the disaster.

Why it matters

The Spurs' actions demonstrate the team's commitment to being more than just a basketball franchise - they are actively engaged as members of the broader San Antonio community. By investing time and resources into supporting the flood victims, the Spurs are helping to lift the spirits of those impacted and showing that they are "neighbors" who will be there throughout the recovery process.

The details

In the wake of the devastating July 4th floods that ravaged Kerr County, the Spurs organization sprang into action. Coach Mitch Johnson, CEO R.C. Buford, GM Brian Wright, and VP Kaleb Thornhill visited the affected areas and heard firsthand accounts of the destruction and trauma experienced by residents. Determined to make a difference, the Spurs organized a special event at their practice facility, inviting over 100 students from Ingram and Hunt to interact with the players, take photos, and feel the team's support. The visit was a huge morale boost for the young people, many of whom had witnessed harrowing scenes during the rescue efforts.

  • The floods occurred on July 4th, 2026.
  • The Spurs visited the affected communities about 4 weeks after the disaster.
  • The special event at the Spurs' practice facility took place on September 10, 2026.

The players

Mitch Johnson

Head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who led the team's outreach efforts in the flood-ravaged community.

R.C. Buford

CEO of the San Antonio Spurs, who accompanied Johnson and other team executives on visits to the affected areas.

Brian Wright

General manager of the San Antonio Spurs, who worked with the community to coordinate the team's support efforts.

Kaleb Thornhill

Vice president of the San Antonio Spurs, who helped spearhead the organization's response to the floods.

Christopher Alva

A 17-year-old high school football player from Ingram, Texas who used his family's backhoe to clear a path through the flood debris, allowing emergency vehicles to reach the affected areas.

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What they’re saying

“The only thing I wanted them to hear was that, 'We are your neighbors.' We don't live where the destruction happened, but this is our community. I wanted them to know we weren't just going to come in, see what happened, say we're sorry, and then it's over. I wanted to make sure they knew we would be connected throughout time.”

— Mitch Johnson, Head Coach, San Antonio Spurs (expressnews.com)

“Our town never will be the same. What some of the kids in this gym saw — discovering bodies — that changes the perspective of people's lives. But I've seen a community come together, with help of some outside organizations.”

— Tate DeMasco, Athletic Director, Ingram Moore High School (expressnews.com)

“The (Spurs) players have been very genuine with them. That's been extremely beneficial.”

— Bridget Symm, School Board Trustee, Hunt ISD (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The Spurs plan to maintain an active presence in the Ingram and Hunt communities, continuing to provide emotional support and resources as the region recovers from the devastating floods.

The takeaway

The Spurs' heartfelt response to the Kerr County floods demonstrates the power of sports teams to uplift and unite communities during times of crisis. By showing up as true "neighbors" and investing in the long-term well-being of those affected, the Spurs have set an example of how professional franchises can leverage their platform to make a meaningful difference.