Investing in Coaches and Strengthening Our Community

Sunday, February 15, Beat the Streets Bay Area hosted our Coach and Mentor Training, bringing together 30 coaches from Oakland and South San Francisco ahead of the Oakland Middle School Spring League. The training brought together a strong group of returning BTSBA coaches alongside a prospective cohort eager to learn more about our programming and coaching opportunities.

The day began with an on-the-mat technical demonstration from Jaden Abas, a Division I All-American wrestler and BTSBA Associate Program Assistant. During his session, Abas shared coaching techniques that helped him build strong relationships with his students, emphasizing the importance of coaches truly understanding the individuals in front of them. He encouraged coaches to develop wrestlers based on their unique goals and abilities, reinforcing that an individual-focused coaching style allows coaches to meet athletes where they are and help them grow from there, keeping the sport accessible, beginner-friendly, and rooted in an atmosphere of encouragement and learning.

Abas’ training portion centered on reinforcing the fundamentals, helping student-athletes build a strong base, defend properly, and maintain a solid stance. A strong understanding and execution of these basics give young wrestlers the confidence and freedom to begin developing their own personal style. He then opened the floor for questions, allowing time for conversations around practices and coaching approaches. Coaches asked questions specific to their programs and shared techniques they’ve found effective within their own teams.

After lunch, the group transitioned into a powerful workshop led by guest speaker “JT the Mentor Coach” on “Coaching and Mental Wellness.” With over 25 years of experience in youth development and 15 years of coaching, JT guided coaches through conversations about supporting youth who carry different forms of trauma, navigating parenting dynamics, and mentoring students through life’s challenges. The workshop created a space for vulnerability and reflection, allowing coaches to share their own stories and struggles while discussing the balance between being both a coach and a mentor.

So many of our coaches show up for their wrestlers far beyond the sport, and the positive impact they have — through guidance, consistency, and care — continues to shape the next generation of leaders for good. Trainings like this one matter because real impact begins with the mentors in the room. When we invest in our coaches first, we strengthen the foundation that supports our entire community and empowers our youth.

Olivia Olmedo, Associate Director of Operations at BTSBA, closed out the day by revisiting our mission and walking coaches through the Team Binder to ensure everyone remains aligned with our mission as we continue building. As we often do, we ended in a huddle, sharing our vision for expanding into San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward, and beyond.

Beat the Streets Bay Area Youth Wrestling Luncheon Recap

On Sunday, January 4, Beat the Streets Bay Area welcomed youth wrestling supporters and community partners to Stanford University for a Youth Wrestling Luncheon. The event brought together supporters, athletes, and families to celebrate the impact of wrestling and the continued growth of the sport across the Bay Area.

On Sunday, January 4, Beat the Streets Bay Area welcomed youth wrestling supporters and community partners to Stanford University for a Youth Wrestling Luncheon. The event brought together supporters, athletes, and families to celebrate the impact of wrestling and the continued growth of the sport across the Bay Area.

Two-time Olympic champion, USA Wrestling President, and wrestling legend Bruce Baumgartner joined the luncheon as a special guest and spoke about the role wrestling plays in youth development. He shared his personal connection to the sport and highlighted how wrestling builds confidence, strength, discipline, and life skills, reinforcing the importance of investing in youth through strong community support.

Bella, a Cardinal Wrestling Club athlete, also shared how wrestling has positively impacted her life. She spoke about the coaching support and sense of community she has found through the sport, and how those experiences continue to help her grow as both a wrestler and a person. Her remarks were a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Executive Director Yero Washington outlined the mission of Beat the Streets Bay Area and shared plans to expand and strengthen programming in additional Bay Area cities, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to increasing access to wrestling for youth. To close the luncheon, Board Chairman Brian Guerrero shared remarks on the organization’s progress and the exciting next chapter for BTSBA.

Before transitioning to the Stanford vs. Iowa State dual, attendees listened in on pre-match strategies during a chalk talk led by Stanford Wrestling Head Coach Chris Ayres. Following the luncheon, guests traveled to Maples Pavilion for the dual, where Bruce Baumgartner led the national anthem and was recognized for his lasting impact on the sport.

Program and Communications Assistant Jaden Abas led the BTSBA youth handshake with Iowa State wrestlers, while Lori Ayres led Cardinal Wrestling Club youth alongside the Stanford team. BTSBA funded up to 200 young wrestlers from clubs across the Bay Area to attend, contributing to an energetic crowd of more than 2,200 fans, the largest turnout in Stanford Wrestling history.

The event also featured a women’s freestyle exhibition match hosted by BTSBA and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club between Alex Glaude and Solin Piearcy, giving youth athletes the opportunity to see high-level women’s wrestling in action. Several BTSBA girls shared their excitement about watching strong female competitors on the mat. The dual delivered competitive matches throughout, with Iowa State edging Stanford by one point. Afterward, Stanford wrestlers, along with Glaude and Solin Piearcy, stayed to sign autographs and connect with youth wrestlers, creating lasting memories to close the day.

The Youth Wrestling Luncheon and Stanford dual showcased the power of wrestling to bring people together, inspire young athletes, and strengthen community. Beat the Streets Bay Area is grateful to everyone who attended and continues to support our mission of positively impacting the lives of Bay Area youth through wrestling.