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!

Celebrating Milestones and Teamwork in the Evergreen School District!

“Getting Fit Through Wrestling”

OB Whaley’s “Getting Fit through Wrestling” 2024 Class

As we move further into the Spring, we are thrilled to share the amazing achievements and collaborations currently unfolding in the Evergreen School District in San Jose.

Sergio Hernandez, coordinator, coach and founder of EESD Youth Wrestling program and head coach and teacher at Holly Oak Elementary School, recently spearheaded a 5 week-program "Getting Fit Through Wrestling" at O.B. Whaley Elementary School for grades 4-6th. With the support of OB Whaley teacher, assistant coach and ambassador, Ramon Bonilla, this program engaged 32 students weekly, providing them with essential knowledge and practices for leading a healthy lifestyle through wrestling. Notably, this initiative marks one of the first programs of its kind at O.B. Whaley Elementary School in San Jose.

O.B Whaley’s New FlexiMat!

Recognizing the potential for expanding wrestling in EESD, Coach Hernandez collaborated closely with O.B. Whaley’s principal, Gina Ornellas, to encourage the growth of a new wrestling team, expanding our BTSBA South Bay Elementary School League for the Fall 2024.

However, the high costs that occur with wrestling mats became a concern for O.B. Whaley, needing their own mat to consider creating a new wrestling team in the fall. That didn’t bar Coach Hernandez from reaching out to EESD administrators to find funds for an O.B. Whaley mat.

After contacting assistant superintendent Deborah Ashmore, Coach Hernandez emphasized the importance of BTSBA’s partnership with EESD as vital support and a driving force behind the expansion of wrestling, given our focus on enhancing self-confidence, motivation, and physical well-being among our youth.

Superintendent Ashmore assisted Coach Hernandez in successfully securing funding for a brand-new wrestling mat for O.B. Whaley, paving the way for their future participation in the upcoming Beat the Streets Bay Area fall season in the South Bay.

During the ordering process, David Torres, at Dollamur Sport Surfaces, was kind to show support for this initiative and growth and provided a discount for the O.B. Whaley mat, while facilitating the process of securing and ordering the mat. Thanks to the teamwork of Coach Hernandez, Principal Ornellas, Superintendent Ashmore, and Torres at Dollamur O.B Whaley officially has a brand new FlexiMat ordered!

OB Whaley’s New Mat Design

This is the submitted design for a brand new FlexiMat, featuring O.B. Whaley’s whale mascot to represent the school and the future students who will partake in wrestling.

O.B. Whaley’s Assembly with Coach Sergio and BTSBA

Last Thursday (3/28/24), O.B. Whaley held a special assembly to express gratitude to the Superintendent Ashmore, Principal Ornellas, Coach Hernandez, Assistant Coach Bonilla, and Beat the Streets Bay Area for their invaluable support and collaboration in promoting wrestling in Evergreen School District. Our Executive Director, John Lange, conveyed words of appreciation, encouragement, and excitement, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the growth of wrestling within EESD elementary schools.

None of these remarkable achievements would have been possible without the dedication of exceptional coaches and administrators. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Coach Hernandez and Bonilla, O.B. Whaley staff, and the Evergreen School District for providing us with the opportunity to continue nurturing and expanding the sport of wrestling in the South Bay, one school at a time.

Video Recap of “Getting Fit Through Wrestling”

As Coach Hernandez continues to offer “Getting Fit through Wrestling” this month for grades 1-3 at Holly Oak and Katherine Smith, with OB Whaley scheduled for next year, we are eagerly anticipating the growth and success of O.B. Whaley as a new team in our upcoming fall season.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to empowering youth through wrestling.