Beyond the court: Brendan Amoyaw’s journey from hoops to health

Brendan Amoyaw is no stranger to hard work. As one of the newest members of the Winnipeg Sea Bears, the rising basketball star is embracing the challenge of professional play — while completing a health sciences degree and continuing his passion for community outreach. “It’s a dream come true to be back in Winnipeg,” said Amoyaw. “The city’s thriving for CEBL right now, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

For Amoyaw, though, success is about more than just points on the scoreboard.

While navigating his first pro season, Amoyaw is also completing a degree in health sciences at McMaster University — a path he hopes will one day lead to medical school. Drawn to the connection between science and athletic performance, he has contributed to research at both the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the McMaster Sports Medicine Research Group.

Juggling a full academic course load with the demands of basketball is tough, but Amoyaw has developed a system that works. “Google Calendar is my best friend,” he said with a laugh. “I break my day into blocks — practice, studying, and maybe a community outreach event. I try to be proactive and stay ahead, especially during busy times in the season.” That discipline, he said, is transferable. “The same mindset I bring to basketball — being serious, being prepared, and studying my plays — keeps me accountable.”

While Amoyaw’s stats on the court are impressive, it’s his impact off the hardwood that truly sets him apart. As a workshop director for McMaster’s Black Student-Athlete Council, Amoyaw leads initiatives to support Black youth in sport and education. He also serves as an outreach executive with the Black BHSc Association, helping to recruit and support Black students in health sciences. “These groups mean a lot to me,” he said. “In high school and university, I was often the only Black person in the room. It pushed me to try and change that — to create spaces that are more inclusive.”

Amoyaw’s leadership has already reached far beyond campus. During the pandemic, he co-founded Project Excel and partnered with Rising Stars to create a basketball mentorship camp, aiming to uplift young athletes in the community. “It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” he said. “Seeing kids gain confidence, watching the community come together — it reminded me that basketball is a powerful tool for change.”

That belief aligns well with the Sea Bears’ community-driven mission, and Amoyaw is eager to lend his voice to the team’s outreach efforts. “I think athletes have a platform, and we can use that to advocate for social justice and highlight what our communities need,” he said. “I’m excited to be part of that here in Winnipeg.”

“Brendan is an impressive young man. He is intelligent, goal-oriented and hard-working in both his basketball and his education,” said head coach and general manager Mike Taylor. “Basketball is important and we love the game, but it's important for players to prepare for the next step in life after the ball stops bouncing in their careers. Brendan is an excellent example of a young man preparing himself for success in the future as he pursues medicine. We are really excited to work with him this summer.”

Amoyaw says he’s inspired by his parents’ and grandparents’ tireless work ethic, as well as mentors like Amir Ali — a University of Manitoba alum who successfully balanced basketball and medicine. Even in rare moments of downtime, Amoyaw keeps his circle close. “I love calling my siblings, watching anime — Attack on Titan is probably my favourite — and catching March Madness,” he said.

As for what success looks like? “It’s not just about stats anymore,” he said. “It’s about enjoying the process, being healthy, appreciating every day. On and off the court, I want to leave things better than I found them.”

Long-term, Amoyaw hopes to continue playing professionally and eventually build a community organization that tackles systemic issues and uplifts the city he calls home.

“My goal is to help people, however I can,” he said. “Whether that’s through basketball, medicine or mentorship, I just want to make a difference.” With a powerful combination of talent, heart and vision, Brendan Amoyaw is proving that greatness isn’t just measured in wins — but in the lives you impact along the way.