Hope Technology School had never seen anything of this kind since its inception as an inclusive school over 15 years ago. However, on April 11th, 2019 over 30 middle school and high school student athletes were celebrated for their victories outside the classroom at our second annual Athletics Awards Night. For the first time, this year HTS offered basketball, cross-country, and volleyball teams.
Keynote speaker, Caleb Coleman, who played nickelback for Cal Berkeley football while studying and graduating from the the Haas School of Business with a degree in business administration, talked to the student athletes about the impact sports had on his life. Reminding these young athletes how valuable the lessons are on the field, on the court, or on the trails. The competition and collaboration necessary in sports have a way of training young people to have:
- Character
- Confidence
- Compassion
The lessons on the field would have delivered a heavier blow if it had not been for some of Caleb’s teammate who became mentors to him and friends in a time of need. Each celebrated young athlete at HTS was inspired to be a teammate that develops and spreads the “Three C’s” to others.
I was terrified to go out on that field, but my teammates were the ones to push me. They were the ones who taught me confidence.
Caleb Coleman
Courtney Peterson, coach for Hope Tech’s cross-country team, also delivered a call to action to the young athletes. Drawing attention the powerful positive impact her high school coach had on shaping her belief and determination in herself. Female role models are needed now more than ever and no one is too young or too old to be an agent for good.
Becky Hammon, first female NBA Assistant Coach
I’ve heard every reason why I shouldn’t be successful. And yet, you just take that all in. I always say you should be very careful with the voices you listen to. And my closest voices have always told me, ‘You can’.
Parents, coaches, and athletes alike enjoyed the awards and acknowledgements throughout the night. It was a great year as part of the Bay Area Small Schools Athletic League (BASSAL) and we wish the athletes best of luck continuing their impact in the classroom and on the court!
