Founder
Remi Yusuf is the Founder of Be A 9th Wonder Foundation and a proud Houston native, born and raised on the Southeast side of the city. He is married and the father of two children, a son, Shai, and a daughter, Sarai’.
High School Career
Remi attended Dobie High School from 1999 to 2002, where he was a three-year varsity letterman and earned three All-District selections, including District MVP honors. During his senior year, he helped lead his team to a District Championship and Area Championship, and to a Regional Quarterfinal appearance, one of only five teams in school history to reach that level.
Collegiate Career
Remi went on to attend Texas A&M University–Kingsville on a full basketball scholarship. During his collegiate career, Yusuf averaged 13.45 points per game in a Javelina uniform after sitting out one season due to injury. He tallied 1,507 career points, becoming the 20th player in school history to surpass the 1,000-point milestone. In one standout season, Yusuf earned Player of the Year MVP honors after returning from injury and led the Lone Star Conference (LSC)—both North and South divisions—in scoring, averaging just over 19 points per game for the entire season. The following year, he was recognized with Preseason All-American honors. He capped his TAMUK career ranking third all-time in games played, second in career steals (128), and fifth on the all-time scoring list. Yusuf ranks in the Top 10 all-time at Texas A&M–Kingsville in points, assists, rebounds, steals, minutes played, field goals made, and free throws, across both single-season and career records.
Mission
To develop global citizens by investing in youth through education, life skills training, and sports skill development. Vision: To create an inclusive culture for youth that fosters hope, perseverance, and self-confidence in their everyday lives. Founded in 2015, Be A 9th Wonder Foundation became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2017. The organization expanded internationally with the launch of its Australian Chapter in 2018, headquartered in Melbourne, and has finalized plans for a European Chapter based in Macedonia. All Be A 9th Wonder Foundation programs are offered at no cost to participants, ensuring accessibility for all families.
Programs & Initiatives
Be A 9th Wonder Foundation offers a wide range of inclusive programs designed to support youth development:
Sports & Arts: Basketball clinics, soccer clinics, and art classes for children with special needs, promoting gross and fine motor skills in fun, structured activities.
Community Enrichment: Fishing outings and movie nights that build social and communication skills.
Signature Programs:
Lift My Spirits: In partnership with local hair salons, girls with special needs receive hair makeovers.
Baker’s Dozen: Where the organization partners with Cinnaholic, children bake and create their own cinnamon rolls in-store during regular operating hours, promoting creativity, independence, and confidence.
Mentoring & Leadership: Leader of Leaders, an international initiative hosted in the United States, Australia, and Costa Rica, focuses on basketball, soccer, and volleyball while teaching character development and social-emotional learning.
Career & College Readiness: Programs in Australia guide young boys and girls aspiring to attend universities in the United States, offering mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and exposure to higher education pathways.
Education & Certifications
Remi earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a double minor in Sociology and Psychology from Texas A&M University–Kingsville. He later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University and has obtained his Principal Certification. Remi is also certified in Special Education in the State of Texas.
Professional Basketball Career
Following college, Remi attended pre-draft workouts with the Houston Rockets before continuing his professional career internationally. He played professionally in Colombia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and played on two different teams in Eastern Europe in Slovakia. He was signed by the Houston Rockets, though he was later released.
Foundation & Inspiration
The vision for his foundation led to the birth of Be A 9th Wonder Foundation. Upon retiring from professional basketball, Remi was inspired to use his platform to serve youth in underserved communities, in loving memory of his younger sister, Marea. Born on September 9, Marea is the inspiration behind the name “9th Wonder.” At the age of 12, Marea was diagnosed with a rare lung disease that significantly limited her quality of life. She courageously battled the illness until her passing at the age of 19. Witnessing the opportunities his sister was unable to experience shaped Remi’s commitment to ensuring that children with special needs and youth from low-income or under-resourced communities are included, supported, and empowered.
Honors & Achievements
On September 17, 2022, the Mayor of Houston officially recognized the day as “Remi Yusuf Day”, honoring him for his community work locally and globally. Other achievements include:
Hall of Fame Inductee, Texas A&M-Kingsville Basketball
Texas A&M Rising Star Award – First African American to receive this award in the history of the school
Author, Leaders of Leaders: 30-Week Social Emotional Youth Curriculum
Distinguished Alumni Award, Texas A&M University–Kingsville
Recipient, Autism Educator Award
Recipient, Hope Active Alberta Smith Community Service Award
J. Frank Dobie Hall of Honor Inductee
