*Author Maria Sandoghdar Montero is a Summer VISTA Cohort Leader serving at Up2Us Sports.*

Whether it’s at summer camp or in a year-round club, growing up playing sports teaches more than just fundamental sports skills. Athletic experiences and development are heavily influenced by coaches. Their guidance and influence shapes not only an athlete’s physical abilities, but their character development, mindset, and lifelong love for sports. Having a good, supportive coach teaches young athletes the necessary skills needed to succeed in sports and life.

The biggest role of coaches is off the field. They act as mentors and positive role models by providing a strong, safe support system for youth. Through intentional coaching, athletes develop teamwork, time management and goal setting skills that often translate from the field to real life. Coaches can ignite a lifelong passion for sports. According to the National Institute of Health, youth who have positive experiences with coaches are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle and often become coaches themselves.

“[My coaches] taught me that when on a team, I have an effect on myself but also those around me, ultimately leading to more conscientious thinking.”

— Ahyleen Meneses

At Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Ahyleen Meneses, an alumni of the program, decided to come back to where it all started. Meneses participated in a variety of programs and workshops, from arts and academics to music and athletics. HOLA’s Athletics Department gave her unforgettable memories, including a trip to Sofi Stadium to meet the Los Angeles Rams. “Overall, most of my greatest memories come from being at Heart of Los Angeles’ Athletics Department,” Meneses said.

After spending thirteen years as an athlete at HOLA, Meneses shared the impact her coaches had on her: “I love how passionate each and every one of them are and committed to each and every one of the youth they coach. Ultimately, it comes down to HOLA as a whole, from the hiring team, to the CEO, they make sure to hire the best they can and they do everything to ensure positive community building and passionate encouragement.”

Her coaches were able to teach her the importance of teamwork, community, and success. They showed her what it really means to be a part of something bigger than just herself, “They taught me that when on a team, I have an effect on myself but also those around me, ultimately leading to more conscientious thinking.” She was also taught that success is not determined by the amount of championships, points, or medals you have, it’s about the hard work you put in.

“The lessons about teamwork are some I apply on a daily basis at work, when going out, and at home with family. The positive engagement I have with others and my likeability is what has gotten me this far in my career,” ”

— Ahyleen Meneses

Thanks to her HOLA coaches, Ahyleen learned skills that are applicable in sports and her daily life. “The lessons about teamwork are some I apply on a daily basis at work, when going out, and at home with family. The positive engagement I have with others and my likeability is what has gotten me this far in my career,” she explained. Because of the coaches she grew up with at HOLA, she’s able to engage with others, work hard, be passionate, and be successful in what she does.

Ahyleen’s coaches at HOLA even had an impact on her career choices. “Coach Kristina and I have been acquainted since 2012 and thanks to her, I learned all these valuable lessons about life and team play,” she explained. “I also learned a lot about myself and the passions I have.” Her experience at HOLA made her try new sports, make new connections, and most importantly, it inspired her future career. “Getting to connect with all these amazing people, groups, and Coach Kristina, have all inspired me to pursue education of some sort, whether as a teacher or a coach. I just know my passion is with youth and to both nurture their abilities as well as inspire them.”