BEATING THE ODDS: HOW COACHING CHANGES LIVES

In neighborhoods where gang violence and drugs are all too common, the odds are often stacked against young men. For many, the world sees them only through the lens of their circumstances—judged by where they come from, how they look, and the struggles they inherit. But inside every one of them, there is greatness waiting to be seen.

“These boys, they’re all GOATs—the greatest of all time,” one coach says with conviction. “They want to be more. They push themselves to be more.”

For young men growing up in these environments, every day is a battle—not just for survival, but for the chance to dream. It’s about finding a way out, a path to something bigger. The challenge is not just the external obstacles, but the internal struggle to believe that they can rise above.

That’s where Coaches Across America (formerly Up2Us Sports) steps in. More than just a sports program, CAA opens doors—to mentorship, to opportunity, to a new vision of what’s possible.

Coach Tayquan serves as a Coaches Across America (formerly Up2Us Sports) Coach at Curtis High School in NYC. He uses football to teach life skills and build meaningful relationships with the young men on his team. “I was looking for a place that would help me grow,” he reflects. “Not just as an athlete, but as a person.”

Through CAA’s training, these young men don’t just become better players; they become leaders. They see the power they have to shape their own futures. For some, it’s the first time they’ve had a coach who truly sees them—not just as kids from a tough neighborhood, but as individuals with limitless potential.

“I tell them, ‘I love y’all boys. That’s not gonna change,’” says Coach Tayquan, who grew up in the same streets as his players. He knows firsthand what they’re up against. He also knows what’s possible when someone believes in you.

Graduating high school, getting into college, becoming a lawyer or a judge—these are not distant dreams. They are real, achievable goals. And when a former player walks across that graduation stage, or lands that first job, the impact of CAA is undeniable.

“You guys can beat the odds,” the coach tells them. “You just have to believe.”