Team Bio
The Windy City NativHawks are a premier basketball organization based on the Northwest Side of Chicago. Built on the principles of inclusion and elite competition, the NativHawks proudly operate as a unified team of Deaf and Hearing athletes, breaking barriers on and off the court.
As the newest franchise in the American Basketball Association (ABA), we are committed to bringing a high-energy, professional basketball experience to our local community while fostering an environment where communication and talent transcend sound.
Leadership
Chadwick De-La-Rosa Atkins | President & General Manager Chadwick brings decades of deep-rooted basketball experience to the NativHawks. A lifelong student of the game, his career spans years as both a formidable player and a dedicated assistant coach. Although a recent hip injury transitioned him from the hardwood to the front office, his passion for the sport and his mastery of late-game strategy remain the heartbeat of the organization.
Under his leadership, the NativHawks have officially joined the ABA ranks, signaling a new era for competitive basketball in Chicago
Chadwick "De-La-Rosa" Atkins
President of Basketball Operations & General Manager, Windy City NativHawks
Dedicated Businessman & Leader
Chadwick De-La-Rosa Atkins is a visionary executive, dedicated family man, and deeply respected sports professional who serves as the President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Windy City NativHawks. Bringing a sharp business mind and an uncompromising commitment to excellence, Atkins has established himself as a dynamic force in semi-professional sports management, successfully acquiring and building the NativHawks franchise from the ground up.
Culture Builder & Innovator
As the architect of the NativHawks’ front office, Atkins is focused on engineering a premier, high-performance sports organization within the American Basketball Association (ABA). His approach balances strict professional standardizing with aggressive talent recruitment, culminating in high-profile organizational milestones like the highly anticipated June 2026 player combine and open tryouts. Under his leadership, the NativHawks are built to be fiercely competitive contenders on the court and a model franchise off it.
Culturally Rooted & Community-Focused
A proud representative of Chicago, Atkins centers his business and community footprint heavily on the city's Northwest side, including the Belmont-Cragin and Portage Park neighborhoods. His executive vision is deeply intertwined with local impact; he is the driving force behind launching a local basketball league designed to host bi-weekly community events. Atkins believes in utilizing the platform of professional sports to create tangible economic, athletic, and social opportunities right in the neighborhood.
Heart for Service & Legacy
For Atkins, basketball is far more than a business venture—it is a powerful vehicle for systemic community uplift and legacy building. A devoted family man who credits his wife as the anchor of his personal and professional support system, Atkins is intensely focused on paving a path of inspiration for the next generation, including his son, Duke. His leadership ensures that the Windy City NativHawks stand as a beacon of unity, development, and elite athletics for the entire city of Chicago.
Owner’s Vision
"As President and General Manager of the Windy City NativHawks, my mission is to establish an unshakeable culture centered around absolute professionalism, community integration, and elite player development. We aren't just building a basketball team; we are building a Chicago institution that gives athletes, creatives, and our community the platform to elevate to the next level