2019 Annual Report
THE IMPACT OF CHAMPIONS

Letter from the CEO

We are currently dealing with two viruses in this country, COVID-19 and RACISM-20. One kills the body, and the other kills the spirit. We must not let either win.

– ARNOLD PERKINS, COACHING CORPS FOUNDING TRUSTEE

This quote from my mentor and friend, Arnold Perkins, sums up the situation we find ourselves in mid-2020. At Coaching Corps, we are united and emboldened to “not let either win,” as Arnold says.

While all kids will likely suffer learning loss as a result of COVID-related school closures in 2020, the impact will be much greater for kids in communities with the fewest resources. The need for our work with underserved communities—bringing coaches as mentors to give young people the experience of trust, belonging, autonomy and growth necessary for learning to happen—has intensified.

We are doubling down to build on the successes of 2019 to meet this challenge. We are proud that 40,000 kids played sports with a trained Coaching Corps coach. In 2020, we hope to do even better despite the many challenges ahead.

With your support, I know we can do it. Thank you for being on our team.

Janet Carter
Coaching Corps CEO

Coaching Corps: Leveling the Playing Field

Coaching Corps is the only national organization focused on bringing access to quality youth sports and trained, consistent coaches to communities faced with systemic disinvestment and inequity.

Our Impact Since 2012

Afterschool program partners

Coaches trained

Kids served

Volunteer hours

Countless

Smiles and high-fives

Why It Matters

The value of sports participation for children is undeniable. Playing sports can improve grades and physical fitness, enhance self-regulation and awareness, and strengthen relationships with peers and adults—many of the habits that help young people combat the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences associated with structural racism and poverty. But in the U.S., youth sports are the least accessible to the kids who need them most: In 2018, children from low-income families were half as likely to participate in regular sports than their more affluent peers—a disparity that disproportionately affects children of color.

April Aguilera embodies what Coaching Corps knows is possible for all kids—finding strength and confidence in the support of a consistent sports mentor. Read more for April’s full story.

What We Do

While pay-to-play costs continue to rise, we believe that all children—regardless of ZIP code—should be able to play sports under a trained, caring coach. To do this, we developed a nationally recognized framework that enables volunteers and afterschool programs to coach kids from underserved neighborhoods through a lens of equity and empathy, free to families and afterschool programs. In line with Coaching Corps’ mission, our 3-step approach is simple:

1: RECRUIT

We recruit local community members to become volunteer sports coaches in afterschool programs.

2: TRAIN

We train volunteers and afterschool programs to coach and mentor youth to cultivate an environment where kids experience trust, belonging, autonomy, and growth

3: SUPPORT

We know coaching is hard, so we offer coaches season-long support through the Coaches Corner, where they can interact with and learn from coaches across the country

Who We Work With

Coaching Corps works with dedicated afterschool programs providing engagement opportunities through sports for youth in their neighborhoods, often despite their communities being systematically underfunded and under-resourced. A majority of kids supported by our partners are eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals.

Where We Work

2019: A Year of Wins

afterschool program sites

coaches trained

kids served

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards

Cal Sports Day

2019: A Year of Wins

afterschool program sites

coaches trained

kids served

Coaching for Character Training

California Department of Education Recognition

Resources for Afterschool Program Partners

Coaches Corner

Oakland Unified School District Partnership

Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Partnership

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards

Cal Sports Day

April Aguilera: She's Got Game

April (back right) not only continues to play for her high school basketball team, but also volunteers as a coach for the Boys & Girls Club of Ramona Gardens.

At 12 years old, April joined the basketball team at the Boys & Girls Club of Ramona Gardens because she wanted to try something new. Little did she know that playing basketball with Coach Serena Limas, Coaching Corps’ 2018 Coach of the Year, would not only help her build self-confidence, but also inspire her to become a coach herself.

As the only female player on her coed team, April faced criticism and discouragement early on in her athletic career. Despite this, she was committed to learn the sport, master its techniques, and play smart.

People would tell me to quit because I was the only girl, but I was determined to not let them get to me... It took me a while to be confident in myself. When I was younger, I had no confidence at all. I [was] so affected by what people said about me, and then I learned that it didn’t really matter. I can't always think about what other people think about me.

April persevered, balancing her responsibilities as a student, player, and even as a coach to younger kids. With Coach Serena’s support, April became an athlete confident in herself and her innate strengths. She stays in touch with Coach Serena who she describes as her teacher, coach and friend. Now a 14-year-old freshman, April plays for her high school basketball team and is looking forward to a future full of possibilities.

Read April’s story on building self-confidence and her advice for young female athletes.

What Our Afterschool Program Partners Say

Coaching Corps shares a common vision with afterschool program partners and community members: provide every child—regardless of circumstance—with the opportunity to grow from the experience of having a coach who sees and develops their potential. Here is what they have to say about our work together.

Once again...great help from Coaching Corps... Coaches came in better prepared than in previous years, and I believe that improvements in Coaching Corps’ training materials or processes has something to do with this. Our returning coaches were a huge help in getting our program up to speed efficiently this year.

It was fantastic to be a part of Coaching Corps and UC Berkeley's Sports Day. Giving our youth the opportunity to see a community of kids connected through [sports] and supporting them and their families with additional means (groceries, haircuts, cooked food) was more than I could have asked for from a partner.

Coaching Corps always checks in with my organization to see what needs we may have. They are always available and just a phone call away.

We have a big program and we look forward to growing our relationship with Coaching Corps.

Coaching Corps is a well-run organization that demonstrates consistent communication which is very much appreciated. They run great training for coaches that we would like to implement more of.

Coaching Corps has always been a great partner, they are supportive and want the best for our programs. Always willing to help out and set up training for our volunteers and staff.

We appreciate the expertise and support Coaching Corps provides for our coaches. The online training is an excellent tool that we plan to use for years to come.

Honoring Transformative Coaches

Coaching Corps’ Game Changer Awards celebrates the transformative power of coaching by honoring those who have empowered and inspired athletes at every level. The Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards highlights how important it is for every child to have a caring mentor in their life, reminding everyone that coaching is not just about winning and losing; it is about providing every player the opportunity to become better versions of themselves through sports.

During the event, prominent local athletes honor the coaches who helped them achieve their dreams with the distinguished Coaching Corps Game Changer Award. The Coach of the Year Award, meanwhile, goes to a Coaching Corps volunteer who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the kids they coach and embodies Coaching Corps’ mission of leveling the playing field for youth.

(Image) Athletes of all levels mingle at the Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards 2019. From left: 2019 Coaching Corps Coach of the Year Benita Vargas-Brown, Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien, and student Londyn Sackes-Jones.

Athletes of all levels mingle at the Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards 2019. From left: 2019 Coaching Corps Coach of the Year Benita Vargas-Brown, Oakland Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien, and student Londyn Sackes-Jones.

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards, San Francisco

From left: Jerry DeBusk, Wally Haas, Klay Thompson, Dave Feldman, Ahmed Fareed, Vance Bedford, Charles Woodson, Benita Vargas-Brown, Pablo Sandoval, Londyn Sackes-Jones, Lindsay Gottlieb, Joan Ryan, Kristine Anigwe, Janet Carter, Marcus Semien, Matt Murphy, Ron Washington, Marquise Goodwin, Ted Griggs, and Richard McCroan.

Coaching Corps opened 2019 with the 5th Annual Game Changer Awards in San Francisco, honoring exceptional coaches and mentors who made a tremendous impact in the lives of some of Bay Area’s prominent local athletes. Among those honored at the event were:

Jerry DeBusk, former Santa Margarita Catholic High School coach, honored by Golden State Warrior, Klay Thompson
Bruce Bochy, former team manager, honored by San Francisco Giant, Pablo Sandoval
Ron Washington, former team manager, honored by Oakland Athletics' Marcus Semien
Richard McCroan, Rowlett High School coach, honored by San Francisco 49er, Marquise Goodwin
Vance Bedford, former University of Michigan coach, honored by Oakland Raider, Charles Woodson
Lindsay Gottlieb, former University of California, Berkeley coach, honored by California Golden Bear, Kristine Anigwe

Watch highlights

Browse event photos

Coach of
the Year
2019

Watch WBAL-TV Baltimore’s coverage of Coach Benita and her Hampstead Hill Academy team in action.

Coach of the Year 2019: Benita Vargas-Brown

Having grown up in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Baltimore, Benita Vargas-Brown always knew she wanted to make a difference in her city, which is why she became a social worker. That same passion eventually led her to coach and mentor the girls’ volleyball team at Hampstead Hill Academy. She has gone above and beyond to ensure that her girls make it to practice, improve their game, and find their own voices.

The most important thing is that you have to show up. You have to be there. You have to be consistent. You can’t cancel on these kids; when you cancel on them, they cancel on you. Kids know if you care.

Read more about how Coach Benita built a supportive peer dynamic with her championship-winning team.

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards, San Diego

Back (from left): Brad Geier, Gene Lamke, Janet Carter, Wally Haas, Austin Hedges, and Joe DeMarco. Front (from left): Shannon MacMillan, Lynne Lee, Mary Elizabeth Sullivan, and Laura Marquez.

Several San Diego professional athletes gathered at the 2nd Annual Game Changer Awards in San Diego to celebrate mentors who supported them to achieve their dreams. The 2019 San Diego Game Changer Awards were presented to:

Clive Charles, former collegiate & Olympic head coach, posthumously honored by 1996 Olympic gold medalist Shannon MacMillan
Royce Deckard, former Lawrence North High School coach, honored by San Diego Charger, Nick Hardwick
Joe DeMarco, former trainer, honored by San Diego Padre, Austin Hedges
Gene Lamke, Professor Emeritus at San Diego State University and mentor, honored by two-time Ironman World Champion, Scott Tinley

Watch highlights

Browse event photos

Coach of the Year 2019: Laura Marquez

When Laura Marquez first signed up to be a volunteer coach, she couldn’t envision how it would impact kids’ lives. But that changed when she saw how the meaningful connections cultivated through sports affected the kids she coached. So, whenever she’s on the field, she gives 100%. Her goal is bigger than helping kids learn to pass the ball—she wants to help them build confidence and learn to communicate with their teammates.

I know firsthand how kids grow when connected with a caring coach. That’s why I drove an hour and a half each way for four years to coach. I wanted to be like the coaches who supported me when I played sports growing up...

Read more about how Coach Laura builds a new generation of young leaders through sports.

Coach of
the Year
2019

Check out practice highlights and an interview with Coach Laura at La Maestra Foundation

We gratefully acknowledge our partners and sponsors

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards 2019, San Francisco

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards 2019, San Diego

Looking Ahead

Creating a “new normal” for youth sports

COVID-19 and the indefinite suspension of youth sports have left many families without ways to keep their kids active and excited through regular practices and games. Now is the time to recognize that thousands of families have been denied these experiences since long before the pandemic; their children spend season after season without sports simply because they cannot afford to play; their neighborhoods lack investment and opportunities to participate.

The pause gives us time to ensure that the game never goes back to the “normal” that resigns thousands of kids in underserved neighborhoods to the sidelines, without ever having the opportunity to benefit from sports and positive coaching. If we prioritize equitable access in youth sports, the next generation of athletes who come out of this moment can be the most diverse and inclusive yet—uninhibited by their neighborhood or economic background.

As Stanford Women’s Basketball Coach and Hall of Famer Tara VanDerveer said, “coaches don’t leave their team when times are hard.”

We are here for the long haul. When youth sports do come back, we can be sure of one thing: Coaching Corps will be there, continuing to champion access to quality sports and mentorship for every child.

Coaching Corps volunteers stepped in and answered the call to support their communities in need by packing meal kits and distributing food.

Financials

Funds Raised in 2019

Total: $5,776,533

Expenses*

Total: $5,883,619

*Based on 2019 audited financials—available upon request

Our Team and Board of Trustees

The Coaching Corps team, led by President and CEO Janet Carter, has decades of experience championing the voices of underserved communities and aspiring organizations fighting for racial equity. With their deep commitment to program and partnership development, the Coaching Corps team ensures more kids in our neighborhoods have access to quality sports and a trained, caring coach.

With Founder and Board Chair Walter J. Haas at the helm, the Board of Trustees leads Coaching Corps in its path to connect more kids to the coaches they want and deserve. The Board has 22 members coming from business, media, nonprofit management, healthcare, and youth sports.

Afterschool Programs and Donors

Coaching Corps is grateful to partner with afterschool programs dedicated to promoting equitable access to youth sports.

Thank you to our donors. Because of you, we make a world of difference…together.

Join us

info@coachingcorps.org

Go to main site

Coaching for Character Training

With a grant from the S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation that began in 2017, Coaching Corps designed a training to teach coaches how to effectively and intentionally integrate character development into a youth sports environment. The training focused on four character attributes relevant to a sports context: Persistence, Optimism, Self-Regulation, and Empathy, or “POSE.” As of December 2019, Coaching Corps held 71 trainings and trained over 2,300 coaches—a major milestone, meeting the goals initially set for the course.

California Department of Education (CDE) Recognition

Coaching Corps was recognized by local school districts as one of few training organizations able to teach critical skills through sports. As a result of local school district recognition, our coach and training model met CDE’s guidelines for service, youth leadership, and social-emotional learning in physical activities. This allowed us to partner with school districts to train their afterschool program staff, effectively expanding the number of children who will reap the benefits of playing sports.

Resources for Afterschool Program Partners

In 2019 Coaching Corps launched the “Partner Portal,” a digital platform for afterschool program partners to manage coaches and their training. Its user-friendly tools make the Partner Portal an easy destination to request for, train and support coaches, enabling them to expand their services to reach more kids.

Coaches Corner

In 2019, we launched our new online platform, Coaches Corner, created to enhance our coaches’ experience. From signing up as a volunteer to accessing mentoring support, the Coaches Corner connects all our coaches around the country and strengthens their sense of mission and community. With greater ease, our coaches are now sharing experiences, best practices, and anecdotes nationwide. With Coaches Corner, they are even more engaged and equipped to serve their players and communities.

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Partnership

Our collaboration with OUSD is a partnership home-run. This year, we held coach training sessions for afterschool staff at more than 30 sites. Together, we plan to reach all 73 of the district’s afterschool sites. We also piloted our collaboration on the Pathways Program, which gives high school seniors the opportunity to volunteer as a coach and gain exposure to new professional possibilities.

LA Recreation and Parks Partnership

2019 was a banner year for Coaching Corps’ partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. After recruiting 33 coaches and placing them in six LARP sites, we also trained 336 of their program staff and volunteers in Youth and Character Development. Of those trained, 239 work specifically with Girls Play Los Angeles (GPLA), coaching and encouraging girls in sports throughout L.A.’s underserved neighborhoods. At the end of the year, Coaching Corps was able to support 106 LARP sites, reaching over 4,000 kids.

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards 2019

The Game Changer Awards is an annual event that honors our favorite people: coaches. The national Awards in San Francisco returned for its 5th year. The Game Changer Awards in San Diego followed its successful 2018 inaugural with an equally energetic and heartwarming gathering in 2019. These much-awaited events gather professional athletes to celebrate coaches’ profound impact on their players and communities.

Cal Sports Day

In partnership with Cal Athletics and Convoy of Hope, we hosted a free Family Day event where kids participated in sports, games, and other on-field activities with student athletes. This fun-filled event gave families some time to unwind at the Memorial Stadium, play at a Kid’s Zone, and receive free haircuts, groceries, and other giveaways.

She’s Got Game

April Aguilera, Basketball Player

April Aguilera joined Coach Serena Limas’s coed basketball team at the Boys & Girls Club of Ramona Gardens. The then 12-year-old knew little about basketball, but was soon coaching other younger kids. Now a high school freshman, she continues to play basketball and is excited to explore more opportunities. Learn more about April’s story below.

What got you interested in sports?

I’m the youngest of five, and I grew up watching my older siblings play basketball and football. They didn’t force me to get into sports, but encouraged me to do what I [wanted] to do and what makes me happy. They became extra-supportive when I started playing basketball and challenged me to push myself a little harder.

What has been your experience in sports as a female athlete?

I first started playing in a coed team under Coach Serena Limas. She always encouraged me and told me that girls can do anything. But a lot of people still look down on girls in sports. People would tell me to quit because I was the only girl, but I was determined not to let them get to me. I worked hard and told them that I can be just as good as [they were]. After all, girls can be great at basketball too!

What have you learned about yourself from playing sports?

It took me a while to become confident in myself. When I was younger, I had no confidence at all. I was told to quit, to not play anymore, to give up because I wasn’t good enough. This would happen even in school. I would hear, “You’re not the smartest, so stop trying—just give up because it’s not going to get you anywhere.”

I [was] so affected by what people said about me, and then I learned that it didn’t really matter. I can’t always think about what other people think about me. I can only be myself. Playing sports made me wiser and more determined to dream big.

Can you share those dreams with us?

Getting a sports or academic scholarship is definitely on my mind. I signed up for a college track program with Saturday sessions when I was in elementary school. I’m still deciding where my dreams will take me. It doesn’t have to be all about basketball—I just want to do something that [helps] others.

Coach Serena said you also coached 8-year-old kids. What was that like?

Our season at the Boys & Girls Club had already ended, but the basketball program for kids under 10 was still [going]. I had a lot of free time and wanted to keep playing basketball, so I asked Coach Serena if I could help her coach them. It was honestly such a cool experience. I see myself in the kids: learning to play, wanting to be better, wanting to be good. Watching the kids practice and learn more made me want to learn more about basketball, so I could inspire and influence them to be better on and off the court.

What advice would you give coaches who want to mentor kids?

Know who you’re coaching. Make sure you know their background, and try to understand where they’re coming from, like what they’re going through at home. You can evolve from there, and find a bond. That’s what I learned from Coach Serena. She and I still keep in touch even though she’s already left Ramona Gardens, and I’ve moved on to high school. She’s really all-around: teacher, coach, friend. I texted her recently about my math homework because she’s super good at math!

Do you have any advice for young girls in sports?

Keep doing what you’re doing. It may be hard sometimes because you’re told that you’re not going to be as good as the boys. Don’t listen to that, and don’t let it get to your head. You can do anything you want to, just work hard. Work twice as hard as anybody else. And if you aren’t playing sports yet, I definitely recommend it!

Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Benita Vargas-Brown, Volleyball Coach at Hampstead Hill Academy

Benita Vargas-Brown grew up in one of the poorest parts of Baltimore. She always wanted to make a difference in the city, which is why she became a social worker. That same passion eventually led her to coach and mentor kids in sports. Learn more about Benita’s journey in her own words.

How did you become a Coaching Corps coach?

I didn’t go looking for coaching, it found me. I was really stressed with my job and my final semester in undergrad, so my husband said, “You’re really not helping yourself. Why don’t you leave your job, take the semester off, and figure out what you want to do next?” So, I went to a volunteering fair, and that’s when I got to know Coaching Corps. It was destiny: They were looking for a volleyball coach, and I am qualified to coach volleyball. They said they needed a coach for Hampstead Hill Academy, which is literally just a walk away from our home. So, it was really perfect.

Can you tell us more about the challenges that the kids you coach face at school and at home?

When people hear Baltimore, crime and violence are among the usual challenges that come to mind, so it was extra important to keep the kids off the streets. I’ve had to drive some of the girls home so they don’t have to take the bus when it’s dark.

There have also been some differences among the girls. The school is located at Patterson Park, where on one side you have the million-dollar houses, and on the other you have boarded-up houses. So you wind up having kids coming from privileged and underprivileged situations. This created some interesting dynamics within the team that led to some difficult conversations, but we got through it eventually. That’s one of the benefits of team sports. We got this whole learning experience that wound up really positive at the end.

You mentioned something about “interesting team dynamics.” Can you share more about that?

This is actually one of the things I’m proudest [of] about my team. The girls take it upon themselves to address differences within the group. At one point, it became very clear during our practice that something wasn’t right. We were on this championship drive but there was obvious tension within the team. The girls came to me and gathered as a group to talk things through. The fact that they came up with that strategy on their own is really amazing. For me, it meant that we’re doing something right. After that talk, we got back together as a team. I’m so glad we did it because I know for a fact we wouldn’t have won the championship without sorting things out. Everybody makes mistakes. At the end of the day, what’s important is to be there and have each other’s backs.

What changes or improvements did you see in the girls as a result of being on the team?

The most obvious one would be the sense of maturity. To be in a position where you have a responsibility over something, to be able to practice and play, there are expectations. If you didn’t come to practice on Wednesday, you’re not going to play on Thursday: that’s the consequence for skipping practice.  Eventually it wasn’t the consequence that really drove them. It was their commitment.

All my [Coaching Corps] girls who tried out for high school sports made their teams. There are two highly-rated schools in Baltimore, Baltimore Polytechnic institute and Baltimore City College. To get into those schools is every parent’s and kid’s dream. They have great education and high graduation rates, and they don’t tolerate gang-related violence, which creates a safer environment for the kids. Fifteen of the girls from the team got in and played for Poly while 13 went to City. That makes me really happy.

Wow! If there’s one way to describe success and promoting equity, that would be it. With all these experiences, what advice would you give aspiring coaches and mentors for kids?

Show up. You have to be there. You have to be consistent. You can’t cancel on these kids. Over the course of my time, if I know something’s going to come up in my schedule, I plan for an assistant coach to take over. Kids know if you care. You can figure out everything else, there are Youtube videos for that. You just have to show up because these kids expect you to be there for them.

Building a New Generation of Leaders

Laura Marquez, Soccer Coach at La Maestra Foundation

When Laura Marquez first signed up to be a volunteer coach, she did not think that it would change kids’ lives. But that changed when she saw how the meaningful connections cultivated through sports impacted the kids she coached. Not only did she see them learning new skills, they were also getting good grades and making new friends in school. Learn more about her coaching experience below.

What made you decide to coach kids in sports?

[Coaching Corps’] Emily Barnes was at the [California State University] campus and she reached out to one of my friends in college. They told me about the program, and I thought it would be such a good experience. At first I really didn’t know what to do, but Emily said, “No, no, just be you, be yourself. You’re going to do a great job.”

So I looked back on what I learned as a kid. My parents made us all participate in sports to keep us off the streets. And when Emily told me the types of communities I’ll be working with, I felt that I would be able to connect with them a little bit. True enough, I got along with them a lot easier than I thought [I would]. Since then, I’ve stayed season after season. It has been awesome.

What have you observed about the challenges kids you coach face?

A lot of it has to do with their confidence and having someone to listen to them. I feel that the biggest things they struggle with are attention and affection. Whenever they come to practice, they are super excited and they don’t want to leave.

And then [there are] the resource challenges. While kids in more privileged neighborhoods have shin guards and all the fancy gear and equipment needed for practice, kids in underrepresented areas barely have a pair of jeans comfortable enough for practice. My teams in Lincoln Heights and Oceanside, who have more privilege, had everything they needed: gear, uniforms, and other stuff. Then I [coached] in City Heights where the kids [hardly] have anything [they need to play]. The field was dirt. I had to go through it before every practice to make sure there wasn’t anything on it that might hurt them.

How has playing sports changed these kids?

I think the biggest change has to be with their confidence and their leadership skills. At the start of every practice, I choose a line leader: It’s a positive reinforcement for kids to step up. Everybody wants to be a leader or be the first in line. But you can’t always have the most active kid take charge because you have to balance the level of learning for everyone. I usually tell kids that are more vocal, “Hey, I see you, I love that you have this passion, but I’m going to give other kids this opportunity to speak up about what they want to do. Maybe you could teach them how to do this drill or [that] move.” Kids usually see that as, “Oh, this is my opportunity to teach them.” So rather than being cocky, they’ll step back and help out the rest of the team. That builds the community even more.

It’s finding little [ways] they can build leadership skills while learning when to take a step back and let somebody else go. Even at my age now, a lot of people think that they have to be the loudest person, the one with the most ideas. In reality, it’s not that. We need supporters and listeners, and I think that starts with teaching kids at a young age. It’s really good to see them progress over time because I was here thinking I’m not making any progress. But then at the end of the season they’re all super thankful and they’re making comments about how much I’ve helped them. It feels really great.

Coach Laura's Five-Finger Rule

To set boundaries with her kids, Coach Laura uses the “Five-Finger” rule.

Pinky: Don’t say bad words and don’t be mean to others. Everyone is fragile.
Ring finger: Be committed. At practice, always give 100% percent. Your 100% today might not be the same 100% tomorrow, but always do your best.
Middle finger: Don’t put each other down. Just because you’re bigger doesn’t mean you can bully others.
Pointer finger: Don’t point. The only reason you should be pointing is to point your teammates in the right direction, not to blame.
Thumb: Have fun! At the end of the day, that’s all we really want to do.

What is your most memorable moment as a sports coach?

I remember my early coaching days at La Maestra Foundation. There was a super-shy little girl named Ashley. She was in her corner, but I can see that she was listening while I was briefing the boys. So, I got a ball and started showing some drills. And then just like a scene in the movies, the ball rolled up to her, so I said, “Oh, Ashley, you’re in. That’s awesome! Kick it, girl!” She hesitated at first, but eventually she stood up and kicked it with so much heart that made me say “That was a good kick! You should play, come on!” Fast forward, Ashley ended up being one of the team’s best players. She went from being this shy little girl to one of our top scorers. And she was always there to help me out with the team whenever I needed it. She was this sweet little girl who just needed a little push.

Any words or advice to current and aspiring kids’ coaches?

Have fun with it. If you don’t know what you’re doing, that’s completely chill. If you mess up, go with it. Being a kids’ coach is such a great opportunity to learn about yourself and your community, and [to] see the impact you can have on kids. Find your strength and use it. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to know everything. [At the end of the day], it’s just a matter of being yourself.

Afterschool Program Partners

ATLANTA

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta: Samuel L. Jones Boys & Girls Club

Afterschool Program Partners

Baltimore

Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore

City Springs Elementary/MS

Fitness Fun and Games

Girls in the Game

Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons Association

Hampstead Hill Academy

KIPP Baltimore

Living Classrooms Foundation

NEWfit Kids

P.O.P. Inc.

U.S. Dream Academy

Under Armour Inc.

Afterschool Program Partners

Boston

All Dorchester Sports and Leadership

Boston Centers for Youth & Families

Boston SCORES

Cambridge Community Center

East End House

Oak Square YMCA

Sole Train: Boston Runs Together

Afterschool Program Partners

East Bay

After-School All-Stars Bay Area

Alameda County Deputy Sheriffs’ Activities League

ASCEND Charter School

BACR (EAST BAY)

Bay Area Hispano Institute for Advancement (BAHIA)

Bears Youth Basketball

Berkeley Unified School District

Berkeley Youth Alternatives

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland

City of Emeryville

City of San Pablo

Community School for Creative Education

East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC)

East Bay Soldiers

Hayward Area Recreation Department

Junior Giants (East Bay)

Northern California Rush Soccer Club

Oakland Parks and Recreation

Oakland Police Activities League

Oakland Unified School District

Region 4 Afterschool Programs

Richmond College Prep Schools

Richmond Police Activities League

Soccer Without Borders (East Bay)

Squash Drive

Street Soccer USA: East Bay

STS Academy

University of California, Berkeley

West Contra Costa Unified School District

YMCA of the East Bay

Youth Tennis Advantage

Afterschool Program Partners

Los Angeles

A Place Called Home

AFFIRMATIVE ATHLETICS

After School All Stars: Los Angeles

Boys & Girls Club of Venice

Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica

Boys and Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor

Brotherhood Crusade

City of Huntington Park Department of Parks

East Los Angeles Rising Youth Club

Equitas Academy

Girls on the Run of Los Angeles

Girls Play Los Angeles

ICES Education

IMPACTO

L.A.C.E.R. Afterschool Programs

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

Los Angeles Rec and Parks

Major League Baseball Youth Academy

Norwalk La Mirada Unified

P.F. Bresee Foundation

Sloane Stephens Foundation

Street Soccer USA: Los Angeles

Team Prime Time

Variety Boys & Girls Club

Watts Rams

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Afterschool Program Partners

Peninsula

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula

Catholic Charities Youth Club at St. Francis of Assisi Church

City of Redwood City

Fit Kids Foundation

Palo Alto Housing

Redwood City PAL

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League

Siena Youth Center

Stanford University

Street Soccer USA: East Palo Alto

Afterschool Program Partners

Sacramento

Center for Fathers and Families

Chico Area Recreation & Park District

PS7 Middle School

Runnin’ for Rhett

Southgate Recreation and Park District

Street Soccer USA: Sacramento

Sunrise Recreation and Park District

The Rancho Cordova Police Activities League

YMCA of Superior California

Afterschool Program Partners

San Diego

Gompers Preparatory Academy

High Tech High

La Maestra Foundation – Center for Youth Advancement at Generations

The Monarch School

Pro Kids | The First Tee of San Diego

Soccer Kids America

YMCA of San Diego County

Afterschool Program Partners

San Francisco

After School Enrichment Program

America SCORES Bay Area

Bay Area Community Resources (San Francisco)

Bayview Hunters Point YMCA

Buchanan YMCA of SF

City of Daly City

FACES SF

Girls Leading Girls

Girls on the Run of the Bay Area

Jamestown Community Center

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Mission Dolores Academy

OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center: James Denman Middle School

Play Rugby USA: San Francisco

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department

Stonestown Family YMCA

Street Soccer USA

Afterschool Program Partners

San Jose

ACE Esperanza Middle School

Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley

Central YMCA

City of Modesto

City of San Jose

Downtown Enrichment

Mount Pleasant School District

Spartan Keyes CORAL Moves Program

Street Soccer USA: San Jose

Sunnyvale Wrestling Club

The First Tee of Silicon Valley

THINK Together Bay Area

Afterschool Program Partners

Other

JT Dorsey Foundation

Our Donors

$200,000+
Angela Nomellini and Kenneth Olivier
Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
James and Priscilla Halper
John and Terry Levin / Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation
Mindy and Jesse Rogers
Mitch and Susan Cohen
S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation
Wally and Julie Haas

$199,999–$100,000
Bob and Dottie King
Bret and Jackie Comolli
Jill Freidenrich
Levi Strauss & Co.

$99,999–$50,000
Blue Shield of California
Brad and Cathy Geier
David Wong and June Yip
Jennifer Maxwell / Jennifer A. Maxwell Fund
Xfinity

$49,999–$25,000
Anonymous
Anthony Pritzker / Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation
Betsy and Roy Eisenhardt
Colleen and Robert D. Haas
David and Tina Thomas
Dennis and Janet Cruzan
Derek Schrier and Cecily Cameron / Cameron Schrier Foundation
GIST Technology Inc.
Hellman Foundation
LA84 Foundation
LAFC Sports Foundation
Lynne and Marc Benioff
Nancy P. and Richard K. Robbins Family Foundation
The Carol and James Collins Foundation
The Parker Foundation
Theodore Geballe

$24,999–$10,000
Amy and Drew McKnight
Ben and Laura Van de Bunt
Brian and Paige Grey
Bruce and Elizabeth Dunlevie
Cal Athletics
Catherine and Art Nicholas
Charlotte Haas Prime and Josh Prime
Cruzan
David Friedman and Paulette Meyer
Dodge & Cox Investment Managers
Don and Joy Ankeny
Douglas Allred Company
Eileen Bocci Campbell
Eric and Jill Becker
Golden State Warriors
Greg and Carrie Penner / Penner Family Foundation
Greg Penske
Ira Hirschfield and Tom Hansen
James McGillicuddy
Joe and Lisa Downes
Jordan Park
Julie Harkins
Kaiser Permanente
Marc Brutten / Brutten Family Foundation
Merlone Geier Partners
Mr. T. Denny Sanford
Navolio & Tallman LLP
Oakland Athletics
Penske Corporation
Peter and Denise Merlone
Peter Seidler
Ron and Alexis Fowler
San Francisco 49ers
San Jose Sharks
Steve and Susan Bell
Steve Black / Cisterra Development
Susan and James Morris
The Crown Robinson Family
The Landreth Family Fund
Tom and Kristi Patterson
True Capital Management
Under Armour Inc.
Wayne T. Seltzer
William and Amy Koman

$9,999–$5,000
A-1 Self Storage
Anonymous
August and Terri Colachis
Bay Club
Bluewater Grill
Brad and Susanne Livingston
Capital Group
Casey Brown Company
Cathy Cha
Cavignac & Associates
CBRE, Inc.
Colliers International WA, LLC
Dan and Linda Geballe
Daniel and Mary James
David DuFour
David House and Devyani Kamdar
Dick Balestri
Elise and Ron Magers
Eric and Sheila Thompson
Eve Niquette and Charles Pohl
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Geoff and Andrea Ralston; Ralston Family Fund
Gerald and Mary McGillicuddy
Ginnie and Peter Haas, Jr.
Henry and Carol Hunte
Jack McGrory
Janet Carter
Jeff Jacobs
Jeffrey Weber
Jim and Carron Riedman
JMI Equity
John and Carry Thacher
Jones Lang LaSalle America Inc
Karen Jenkins-Johnson & Kevin Johnson Family Charitable Fund
Larry Kramer and Sarah Delson
Lauren and James Ford
LBA Realty Charitable Foundation Fund
Martin and Lee Ann Shell
Matthew Stevens
Michael Wood
Mossy Nissan Inc
Newmark Knight Frank
Robert Petersen Family
San Francisco Giants
Scott and Erin McPherson
Sonoma Raceway
Stefan Karnavas
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Wells Fargo Advisors
William H. Donner Foundation, Inc.

$4,999–$2,500
Andy Mathieson
Anne and Jack Holloway
Anonymous
Benevity
Benjamin Faw
Bill and Connie Ring
Bryan Cameron
Casey and Tiffany Brown
Chad Bounds and Ruth Hendrickson
Charles and Janet Hoeveler
Cindy and Jake Winebaum
Cory Grant
Cushman & Wakefield
David and Susan Allred
Deborah Stipek Mudd
Dee-Anne Rojeski
Doug Raetz
Douglas Allred
Jim and Debra McLean
John and Sally Hood / John and Sally Hood Family Foundation
Manchester Financial Group
Marc and Lisa Jones
Mazur Famiky
Michael Fader / Judi and Steven B. Fader Family Foundation, Inc.
Mike Carey
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Jaggers
Nate Levine and Charlene Akers
Paul Ecke III
Peter and Barbara Folger
Sheila, Dave & Sherry Gold Foundation
Stephanie and Bill Mellin
Steve and Ann Bruce
Ted and Anne Peterson
The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation
The Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Foundation
The Padres Foundation
Todd and Tracey Walthall
William Ruh

$2,499–$1,000
Alexander Gudim
Andrew Colantonio
Andy La Dow
Anonymous
Barbara Howald and Michael Blake
Barry Mondry-Cohen
Bill Shrader
Brett and Amy Ward
Carolyn and Braden Edwards
Dave Stewart
David and Dawna Entwistle
David and Margie Guggenhime
Deborah Larkin
Dillon and Adrienne Rogers
Elise Haas
Emma and Brad Tecca
Eric Northbrook
Fred Simmons
Frederic Gordon
Gene and Ellen Lamke
Gordon Carrier
Heather Goodman
Henry Brandon
Howard and Carol Fine
Irwin Gold
Jennie Watson
Jesse and Allison Eisenhardt
Joan Ryan and Barry Tompkins
John and Susan Gilroy
John Burger
Johnathan Rodgers and Royal Kennedy
Justin Bass and Marisa Rolland
Kevin and Wendy Alexander
Ky and Sue Snyder
Lauren and Brad Koenig
Lisa and Ciaran O’Kelly
Mark and Paige McEwen
Mark and Patricia Jackson
Marty Anderson
Matt Murphy
Merry Hagestad
Michael and Erika Spinazzola
Michael and Keri Riney
Mike Depatie
Miranda Heller and Mark Salkind
Mr. Richard L. Pearlstone
Pablo Sandoval
Roslyn and Lisle Payne / Payne Family Foundation
Peter and Lynn Wendell / Wendell Family Foundation
Peter and Terry Chartz
Ralph and JoAnn Roberts
Randy LaChance
Renee Breber and Peter Zolintakis
Rick and Mary Carol Reeder
Ryan Egli
San Diego Padres
Simone Haas-Zumsteg and Scott Zumsteg
Stephanie and Lee Notowich
Steve Page
Steven Schwarz
Stu Gordon
Susan Levine
Susan Lowenberg and Joyce Newstat
Ted and Amy Griggs
The Kenney Family
The Whiting Family
Thomas Blake
Timothy and Mary Meissner
Yat-Pang Au

<$1,000
Alexander Chartz
Allen Dolph
Amal Murgian
Amelia Schimmel
Andrea Brenholz
Andrea Quiñones-Rivera
Andrew Cohen
Andrew Ewald, CBRE
Andrew Fowler
Anna Waring
Anonymous
Anonymous / AmazonSmile Foundation
Arnold and Karen Perkins
Arthur and Pam May
Barb Murrer
Ben Reed
Beth Voetsch and Ann Tafolla
Bill and Scarlet Bridgen
Bobby Evans
Brad Ebner
Brad Hallick
Brent Silacci
Brian and Deborah Rott, Cart Mart, Inc.
Brian and Elizabeth Griggs
Brian Gable
Caroline and Justin
Carrie Taylor
Charles and Stephanie Withers
Charlie Ruiz
Chris Lehman, MD
Christopher High
Christopher Ray McDonald
Cindy J Chang
Colin Cole
Craig Flax
Cynthia Chaw
Dani Oster
Daniel and Susan Krebs
David Perron
David Santistevan
David Stern
Debra Haskell
Denis Chicola
Devon Farris Fox
Dick and Anne Gould
Dick Grosboll
Dolich Consulting
Donna Kuriyama
Dorothea Melin
Duncan Kennedy
Ebonie Burkhart
Emily Barnes
Eric and Caprice McIlvaine
Ernest Rady
Evan McDonald
Frances Gorman
Frank Bieszczat
Frank Cassidy
Fremont Group Foundation
Gary Becker
Glenn and Lori Shannon
Gordon Langs
Grant and Rachel Keeney
Gregory and Debra Trippi
Gregory J Reynolds
Guy J Chicoine
Hack and Celeste Adams
Heather and Rob Connolly
Heidi Howell
Ian Williams
Ilovetowatchyouplay.com
J.B. Fitzgerald
Jack Troedson
James A. Chatfield, II
Jan and Mike Leight
Janelle Boltz
Jason and Ruth Wood
Jason Levin
Jason Liu
Jenna and Steven Feinberg
Jeremy Powers
Jerry DeBusk
Jessica Scadron, Social Harmony
Jillian and Steve Kantola
John and Mary Jane Luck
John Feeley
John Gambs
John Navolio
Joni Beemsterboer
Jordan Knopf
Jorge Marquez
Julie Treppa
Kate and Kip Sheeline
Kate Bocci
Ken Hillier and M. Kay Martin
Kevin and Carrie Skelly
Kim Turner and Michael Winn
L & J Wong Trust
Lauren Carey
Law Office of Milton Franke
Leland and Susan Faust
Lewis and Sheana Butler
Liam S. Stewart
Lindsay Casablanca
Livkraft Performance Wellness
Logan Schwartz
Lynne Lee and Ryan Chao
Marcus Semien
Mario and Kelly Alioto
Marquise Goodwin
Mary Elizabeth Sullivan
Mary Greene
MaryAnn F. Stewart
Matt and Jessica White
Maureen Sullivan
Melvin Karsenti
Michael Giordano
Michael McGuire
Michael Moore
Mike and Nicky Taylor
Mike Metzger, Westcore Properties
Mike Neu
Monica Pressley
Mr. Robert B. Polacchi
Mrs. Robin L. Reif
Ms. Mary Catherine Barrett
Nancy Orear and Teresa Basgall
Nate Goldman
Nicholas Heldfond
Nicky Patriarca
Nikhil Byanna
Owen Mossy
Patrick Casinelli
Paul Thiel
Paul Thometz
Peggy and Eric Sugar
Perry Michael Davis
Peter and Fionnuala Wright
Peter Steinle
Pippy Sou
Preston Cavignac
Rachel Baker
Randall Wood
Rebecca Brewer
Richard and Karen Recht
Richard Price
Rick and Shana Daum
Riley Plant
Robert and Sarah McFall Bailey
Robert Joseph
Robert Niemann
Roxy Klein
Ryan Foley
Salesforce.org
Sara Colvin
Sarah Lahidji
Sarah Tustin
Scott Schindler, JLL
Serena Schlaile
Seth and Julie Jacobs
Sharon and Philip Pillsbury
Shawn and Nathalie Estes
Spencer Tolliver
Staci Slaughter
Stacy and Vanessa Meronoff
Stacy Owen
Stath Karras
Steve Center
Steve Kimball
Steve Parker
Tarah Semien
Terrill Armstrong
The Haas Leadership Initiatives, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
The Knowlton’s
The Mandler Family
The Preschlack Family
Theresa Siluano
Thomas Ladt
Tim and Kie Johnson
Tracy Crowther
Vincent Andrada
Wain Fishburn
Wallace and Roseanna Lourdeaux
Walter Haas
Yeshayah Goldfarb

2019 Annual Report THE IMPACT OF CHAMPIONS

Letter from the CEO

Coaching Corps: Leveling the Playing Field

Our Impact Since 2012

Why It Matters

What We Do

Who We Work With

Where We Work

2019: A Year of Wins

Coaching for Character Training

California Department of Education Recognition

Resources for Afterschool Program Partners

Coaches Corner

Oakland Unified School District Partnership

Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Partnership

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards

Cal Sports Day

2019: A Year of Wins

Coaching for Character Training

California Department of Education Recognition

Resources for Afterschool Program Partners

Coaches Corner

Oakland Unified School District Partnership

Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Partnership

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards

Cal Sports Day

April Aguilera: She's Got Game

What Our Afterschool Program Partners Say

Honoring Transformative Coaches

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards, San Francisco

Coach of the Year 2019: Benita Vargas-Brown

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards, San Diego

Coach of the Year 2019: Laura Marquez

We gratefully acknowledge our partners and sponsors

Looking Ahead

Financials

Funds Raised in 2019

Expenses*

Our Team and Board of Trustees

Afterschool Programs and Donors

Join us

info@coachingcorps.org

Go to main site

Coaching for Character Training

California Department of Education (CDE) Recognition

Resources for Afterschool Program Partners

Coaches Corner

Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Partnership

LA Recreation and Parks Partnership

Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards 2019

Cal Sports Day

She’s Got Game

April Aguilera, Basketball Player

What got you interested in sports?

What has been your experience in sports as a female athlete?

What have you learned about yourself from playing sports?

Can you share those dreams with us?

Coach Serena said you also coached 8-year-old kids. What was that like?

What advice would you give coaches who want to mentor kids?

Do you have any advice for young girls in sports?

Going Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Benita Vargas-Brown, Volleyball Coach at Hampstead Hill Academy

How did you become a Coaching Corps coach?

Can you tell us more about the challenges that the kids you coach face at school and at home?

You mentioned something about “interesting team dynamics.” Can you share more about that?

What changes or improvements did you see in the girls as a result of being on the team?

Wow! If there’s one way to describe success and promoting equity, that would be it. With all these experiences, what advice would you give aspiring coaches and mentors for kids?

Building a New Generation of Leaders

Laura Marquez, Soccer Coach at La Maestra Foundation

What made you decide to coach kids in sports?

What have you observed about the challenges kids you coach face?

How has playing sports changed these kids?

Coach Laura's Five-Finger Rule

What is your most memorable moment as a sports coach?

Any words or advice to current and aspiring kids’ coaches?

Afterschool Program Partners

ATLANTA

Afterschool Program Partners

Baltimore

Afterschool Program Partners

2019 Annual Report
THE IMPACT OF CHAMPIONS