

Team OA
Apr 27, 2025
North Carolina Athletes Unite to Launch Orange Arrow in Raleigh, Inspiring the Next Generation Through Mentorship and Fine Dining
While the football world had its eyes on the NFL Draft this weekend, moves were being made at The Capital Grille in Raleigh, where Orange Arrow hosted its first-ever Training Table event in North Carolina — and it was nothing short of a game-changer.
The upscale dining room turned into a hub for inspiration and connection, as around 40 attendees pulled up chairs and shared more than just a meal. The event featured four carefully structured groups: community leaders, university administrators, college student-athletes, and middle school athletes — all coming together to build something bigger than sport.
The debut Training Table in Raleigh wasn’t just about etiquette and fancy forks. It was about mentorship, leadership, and legacy. Athletes from UNC, NC State, and NC Central showed up not just as players, but as role models — eager to pour into the next generation. From handshakes to heartfelt conversations, the goal was clear: to build long-term relationships that shape young lives far beyond the scoreboard.
“There’s something powerful about pulling up a seat next to someone who gets it — someone who’s been where you are and made it through,” said Orange Arrow founder Shawn Robinson, a former Pitt athlete. That energy filled the room, as laughter echoed and future visions took shape.
Helping lead the local charge was Raleigh’s own Darian Iverson, a Pitt alum who’s pushing to keep the momentum going. With support from standout names like NFL pro Tyquan Lewis, Orange Arrow is laying the groundwork for something sustainable in the Triangle.
This wasn’t a one-and-done. It was the kickoff. With plans for ongoing mentorship and deeper community ties, the Training Table in Raleigh is only just getting started — and the future looks bright.
For more, visit orangearrow.org.