NEWS

Olivia Olmedo Olivia Olmedo

Champion Mindset: Albany Clinic with Alexandria Glaudé

This past weekend, student-athletes from over 15 high schools across the Bay Area gathered for the From The Bay To The Mat free wrestling clinic in Albany, led by Alexandria Glaudé, a 2025 U.S. World Team Member, 2021 Pan Am Champion, and 2018 U23 World Bronze Medalist.

The day began with a Beyond the Mat activity where students reflected on what wrestling means to them. Some shared that the sport helped them find a sense of belonging, others said it built their confidence, and a few opened up about how it helped them cope with mental health challenges. For two participants, this was their first clinic ever and their very first time stepping onto a wrestling mat.

After the reflections, Glaudé guided everyone through warm-ups including bear crawls, bridges, and light jogging before moving into technique. The athletes listened closely, eager to learn, and Glaudé’s calm and encouraging energy filled the room. Each participant had a chance to demonstrate what they had learned, giving them an opportunity to build confidence and learn from one another.

As practice came to an end, Glaudé shared how much she enjoyed working with them. She spoke about how clinics like these were what first got her into wrestling and hoped that each participant would take away something meaningful from the experience.

Before the day ended, everyone gathered once again for the Beyond the Mat Award. Two students were recognized for their heartfelt reflections on what wrestling means to them. One student spoke about how wrestling helped her find her place in the world and feel comfortable being herself, while another shared that wrestling gave him purpose and helped him push through depression.

Their stories reminded everyone why this sport matters. Wrestling isn’t just about strength or winning, it’s about growth, community, and finding yourself in the process. The day closed with a group photo, capturing a room full of smiles, courage, and connection.

Thank you to Coach Glaudé, Albany High School, our volunteers, and all the wrestlers and families who made this event possible. Each clinic continues to show how much impact the sport can have on and beyond the mat.

This Saturday we are hosting the final stop of our From The Bay To The Mat free clinic series at SF State, led by Stanford All-American Jaden Abas.

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Olivia Olmedo Olivia Olmedo

A World-Class Experience in Fremont: Free Clinic with U.S. World Team Member Alexandria Glaudé

This past Saturday, Beat the Streets Bay Area hosted a free clinic that brought together more than 70 youth wrestlers from across Northern California to Fremont’s Kennedy High School for a day of learning, teamwork, and inspiration.

What made this clinic truly special was the chance to learn directly from Alexandria Glaudé, a U.S. World Team Member, multi-time U.S. Open Champion, and NCAA National Champion. Having an athlete and role model of her caliber lead a youth clinic is a rare opportunity that left a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

The clinic was an unforgettable learning experience, made even more special by an all-girls team from Tracy, California, who made the 1.5-hour drive to attend. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and team spirit set a positive tone for the entire day.

The morning began with a dynamic group warm-up, followed by skill sessions split between two groups. Glaudé worked closely with the advanced wrestlers, breaking down high-level techniques and offering detailed, hands-on feedback. Her attention to each athlete helped sharpen their skills while boosting their confidence.

Meanwhile, BTSBA Coach Jaden Abas led the beginner group in the Kennedy High School gym, focusing on stance, movement, and team-building drills. His approachable coaching style made the sport feel fun, accessible, and exciting for the newer wrestlers stepping onto the mat for the first time.

After training, Glaudé took time to connect with the group, answering questions about motivation, resilience, and pursuing excellence both in sport and in life. Her message of perseverance and self-belief resonated deeply with athletes, parents, and coaches alike.

Before wrapping up, we recognized this month’s Beyond the Mat Scholars, a scholarship that celebrates wrestlers who show growth, discipline, and heart both on and off the mat. Every story shared reinforces the impact and importance of clinics like ours.

We ended the day with a big group huddle, new friendships, and a shared sense of pride. Free clinics like this one make it possible for young athletes to experience world-class instruction that is hard to come by.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day possible. We can’t wait to see you all at the next clinic, stay tuned for upcoming clinics in Albany and San Fransisco and join our growing wrestling community.

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