Ebonee is a 2^nd year Coach Across America coach leading a Hip Hop team in Los Angeles. She has found a way for her students to recognize their self worth and not accept the status quo for what is expected of students of their race, age, gender or economic status. Students on Ebonee’s squad are exposed to physical activity opportunities and nutrition experiences that otherwise would not exist for them. She puts the ‘human’ element into what it takes to overcome the barriers to health in an underserved community.

An example of Ebonee’s influence is found in Adrian, a seventh grader, who also struggled with his weight and with being bullied. He was looking back at the photos of himself on the hip hop team the previous year, and he commented on how much weight he lost. He also told his coach that ever since joining the hip hop team, he has not once been bullied. On several occasions she has witnessed students come of age in her hip hop class and use that as the gateway activity to getting involved in other active pursuits as well.

“It is through building skills, knowledge and modeling that Ebonee has changed their lives for the long run,” says Ian, Health Outreach Director at A World Fit for Kids. “With her unique and individualized approach she has helped her girls develop a new awareness, perspectives and ultimately a lifestyle.”

Thank you for supporting someone like Ebonee through Coach Across America!

Thank you all for supporting Coach Across America. Your contributions provide Coach Lauren with a year of support so she can continue to be a positive influence in the lives of Vail, Colorado children.

I joined Coach Across America as a way to make a positive impact within my community. Many people are surprised to find that Vail, CO, has a population of at-risk and under-resourced children. I must admit that I, too, was shocked to find that there were families in need in the area. With this realization came the desire to get involved in a local non-profit, and Coach Across America seemed to be the perfect way to do so.

My aim as a coach is to bring out the potential in each and every player. They all have something different to offer, and I think it’s important to make every child feel as if they bring something unique to the playing field. Coaching goes beyond winning and losing. While developing an athlete provides a sense of satisfaction for both the coach and the player, it is more important to me that the kids develop confidence and can apply the lessons they learn from sports to everyday life.  I hope to inspire the kids to live a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle and to send them off with self-discipline and a better idea of what it means to be a team member.

Thank you all!

Gabriel Navarro grew up eight blocks from the Chicago Youth Boxing Center where he now works as a Coach Across America coach in Chicago. The neighborhood, Little Village, is plagued by one of the highest crime rates in the nation. “There are 200 kids living on my block,” he says. “Good kids, but there’s not a lot for them to do when the school doors close.”

The boxing center is changing that. Kids come there daily after school to learn, stay active, and be part of a community. And with a coach like Gabriel there, they have someone to talk to who understands them. “Kids come into the Chicago Youth Boxing Club and I’m there to listen and to teach kids to listen to each other. Together we become a family. That’s why I coach.”

At the end of the day, it’s respect that Gabriel tries to instill through Coach Across America. “They learn fear on the streets but I want them to learn respect, especially for their parents, teachers, and one another.”

Thank you, Ted and Pam, for supporting Gabriel so he can coach for another year!

Coach Ben is a second-term Coach Across America coach at Play Rugby USA in New York City. Originally from Seattle, WA, Ben moved to New York City to pursue a career in sports-based youth development.

After serving one term with Coach Across America, Ben was afforded the opportunity to stay on a second term. Ben, otherwise known as Shaggy to his team, can continue giving back to youth in under-served communities due to your generosity.

“As a kid, rugby was everything to me. I was able to develop my athleticism and I also learned so many important life lessons,” says Ben. “I love coaching and seeing players develop both on and off the pitch.”

Thanks to all of your donations, Coach Ben can continue to inspire and empower kids through sports. Thank you all for making it possible for Ben to keep coaching kids for the next year!

Ryan developed a passion for rowing at a young age. Her early participation helped her develop leadership skills that compelled her to pursue coaching. CAA has  given Ryan the opportunity to combine her passion for rowing and coaching. It also allows her to help young girls build self-esteem through rowing.

“Rowing is a sport that often time isn’t taught in inner city schools,” Ryan says. “I love that I have to opportunity to share this amazing activity with girls from all socio-economic backgrounds.”

Thank you all for your support of Coach Across America. Coach Ryan can continue to empower and inspire girls through rowing. Your donations make it possible for Ryan to continue coaching kids for another year!

Coach Anthony is a Coach Across America member in New York City. Coach Across America (CAA) is an AmeriCorps program launched by Up2Us to provide its member organizations with the support needed to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development throughout the United States.

One of Coach Anthony’s passions is working with kids. He joined CAA because he believe that the poverty gap is a hug problem in America and that underprivileged youth should be afforded all the benefits granted to other kids. Anthony has always been involved in team sports and some of the most influential people in his life have been coaches.

“I have aspirations of becoming a high school teacher and coach and this experience can only make me a better coach mentor to youth.”

Thanks to all of your donations, Coach Anthony can continue to inspire and empower kids through sports. Thank you all for making it possible for Anthony to keep coaching kids for the next year!

Coach Payne is a Coach Across America member in Avon, CO. Coach Across America (CAA) is an AmeriCorps program launched by Up2Us to provide its member organizations with the support needed to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development throughout the United States.

Coach Payne has a lifelong passion and love of sports, from a competitive, social, and artistic standpoint. He believes there are valuable life skills inherent in any activity that requires people not only to fluently work with others, but also to push themselves to levels of achievement outside of what they may have previously thought attainable.

“I love the opportunity to pass along lessons that I’ve learned throughout my experiences and help others achieve the same love and joy that sports have provided to me.”

Thanks to all of your donations, Coach Payne can continue to inspire and empower kids through sports. Thank you all for making it possible for Payne to keep coaching kids for the next year!

Coach Holly is a Coach Across America member in New York City. Coach Across America (CAA) is an AmeriCorps program launched by Up2Us to provide its member organizations with the support needed to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development.

Sports have always played a important role in Coach Holly’s life. “My gymnastics and rugby teams taught me about leadership, responsibility, community, and determination.” Coach Holly said she joined CAA to pass along the many important life lessons she learned to New York City youth.

Your donation will allow Coach Holly to continue to inspire and empower kids through sports. Thank you!

Coach Yeison is a Coach Across America member in New York City.  Coach Across America (CAA) is an AmeriCorps program launched by Up2Us to provide its member organizations with the support needed to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development throughout the United States.

With his father playing professionally, baseball has had a major presence in Coach Yeison’s life. Holding baseball to his heart, joining CAA gives him the ability to share his passion with many of the youth in his community.

“My experience in coaching will allow me to give back to my community and inspire youth to recognize their true potential. Most people think of baseball as ‘just a sport’ without paying close attention to the many lessons it can teach you.”

Thanks to all of your donations, Coach Yeison can continue to inspire and empower kids through sports.  Thank you all for making it possible for Yeison to keep coaching kids for the next year!

Coach Danny is a Coach Across America member in Oakland, CA. Coach Across America (CAA) is an AmeriCorps program launched by Up2Us to provide its member organizations with the support needed to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development throughout the United States.

Coach Danny played a range of sports including golf, volleyball, and basketball. Danny attributes much of his life success to the lessons he learned from participating in sports. “Sports have taught me about self-discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Moreover, sports have been a wonderful outlet when life gets tough.” Danny joined to CAA to helps kids achieve their goals.

Thanks to your donation, Coach Danny can continue to inspire and empower kids through sports.  Thank you for making it possible for Danny to keep coaching kids for the next year!