From the Desk of Our Executive Director

Dear Beat The Streets Bay Area Supporters,

As we progress through the spring season, I wanted to share some exciting updates from Beat The Streets Bay Area. Our middle school wrestling program in Oakland is in full swing, with five weeks of intense practice and three thrilling competition nights behind us. It's truly inspiring to see the energy and dedication our young wrestlers bring to the mat, and the infectious enthusiasm that fills the gym during competition nights. This is what drives us to do what we do.

A huge thank you to our incredible coaches, whose guidance and support have been key to the program's success. As we continue this journey, we have two more competition dates coming up. We would love to see you there to support our athletes! Mark your calendars for Friday, May 10th, at 5 p.m. at Edna Brewer Middle School, and Saturday, May 18th, at 12 p.m. at Oakland Tech for the OAL Championships. Your presence and encouragement mean a lot to our wrestlers.

As the spring program winds down, we're turning our attention to two exciting events. First, our Annual Celebration—Comedy for a Cause—will be held on June 7th at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco. This evening of laughter and fellowship is all for the benefit of our kids, and we hope you'll join us. For more information, visit our website or check out Comedy for a Cause.

Second, we're partnering with Aim High to offer summer wrestling programs in Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco. This collaboration will allow students in these areas to experience wrestling and the valuable life skills it teaches. We're thrilled to expand into San Jose and San Francisco, and can't wait to see what the summer holds. To learn more about these opportunities, visit our website or check out BTSBA/Aim High.

We're always looking for ways to improve our programming, so be sure to stay connected with us through our website and social media for the latest news and updates. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of these young athletes.

Warm regards,

John Lange
Executive Director
Beat The Streets Bay Area

Coach’s Spotlight: Edna Brewer’s Jaimel Hemphill

Coach Hemphill on the right, Coach Taylor in the left back with the Edna Brewer Middle School Team

For our coach spotlight this month, we are introducing Jaimel Hemphill, our towering Edna Brewer coach whose presence commands attention—along with a warm smile. When you meet Jaimel, what captures your attention first is his infectious grin and the gleam in his eyes as he steps onto the mat, excited to show Edna Brewer’s Middle School team some new moves.

Within the team, there's an energy of camaraderie and focus, nutured by Jaimel and his co-coach, Will Taylor. There is a built connection of trust, dedication, and mentorship within Edna Brewer that provides a safe place for their wrestlers to thrive. This week, BTSBA puts the spotlight on Jaimel Hemphill, a coach whose dedication to both the arts and the sport of wrestling has created something big for Edna Brewer Middle School. 

Edna Brewer’s Middle School Wrestling Team

Quick Profile:

Favorite TV Show at the Moment: FX’s Shogun

Favorite Food: A good BBQ Brisket

Favorite Song: ‘93 Til Infinity by the Hieroglyphics

Let’s dive into Jaimel's perspective on coaching in this quick Q&A!

Q: What drew you into the sport of wrestling?

J: Why wrestling? It’s honestly because I think it’s the greatest sport. It’s the ultimate expression of individual effort with a collective goal. Every team preaches that, right? But in wrestling, individuals are put in the spotlight in a way that most team sports don’t do. It requires so much dedication, there’s really nothing like it. You work really hard and you’re put, literally, in the center of the stage. You sit there and you’re like- all eyes are on you- is the preparation there? Is the training there? You realize it comes down to who wants it more. You get out what you put in. Because of this nature, I think it provides so many life lessons.

Q: Why do you coach?

J: The work ethic that you put in wrestling translates to your everyday life. And honestly it’s why I coach. I’m just hoping and praying that I can pass the things I’ve learned from wrestling on to someone else. If I could be half the coach that I had, then that’s what’s cool about it. 

Q: Has there been a moment while coaching that has stuck with you?

J: Literally one of the greatest moments in my life happened at our last meet. I was talking to one of our wrestler’s grandmother and, you know, a wrestler I’m really friendly with. He’s really taken wrestling like a fish to water. She said that because he’s taken up wrestling so seriously that his grades went up and he was doing way better in school. That was so satisfying to hear. It’s like, I’m taking some pride as a coach, but he's also putting in the effort in a positive way and channeling it in a positive way, where he’s doing better in school. That is probably the greatest moment I've had coaching, that I had this effect on him. It makes you take it seriously- it’s like, they're my own kids; they trust me, they trust me to listen to me, and they bring out the best in me because of that.

A Reflection

Jaimel shares a moment that encapsulates the essence of his impact, which is what we aim to encapsulate here at BTSBA. Witnessing a wrestler's academic success soar alongside their dedication to wrestling fills him with immense pride. It's a testament to the transformative power of sport, where dedication and discipline spill over into all facets of life. For Jaimel, coaching isn't just about winning matches; it's about nurturing young minds, instilling values, and creating an impact that extends far beyond the confines of the wrestling mat. This is exactly what BTSBA encourages and aims for with our coaches and students, and supporters. The ability to impact the lives of the youth in our neighborhoods, communities, and schools- on and off the mat. Thank you to Jaimel Hemphill and Will Taylor for your amazing work at Edna Brewer.

As we spotlight Jaimel Hemphill, we recognize not only his prowess as a coach but also his unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, one wrestler at a time. Let’s take this month of May to appreciate the coaches, mentors, and people in our lives that shape them for the better!