Unity Through Sports
Sports have always been a powerful force, but their true impact is felt in the communities they unite and the lives they shape.
Sports transcend the boundaries of the playing field, weaving themselves into the fabric of communities, fostering connections, and nurturing growth. From the spirited youth camps of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, to the enduring bond between the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and their supporters and finally the commitment of legendary St. Bonaventure soccer coach Kwame Oduro, their stories highlight the transformative power of sports as a unifying force.
In Cookeville, Tennessee, the influence of sports on youth development is evident through Dom Hughes, Division I Assistant Coach for the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Last year, Hughes took on the responsibility of leading the team’s youth and high school camps, immersing himself in the mentorship of young athletes while showing the importance of life lessons.
Engaging youth in sports from an early age has far-reaching implications. Research indicates that early participation in sports is a strong predictor of sustained involvement and broader community engagement in later life.
“Kids just want to have fun because that’s what playing baseball is all about,” Hughes said. “Seeing these kids enjoy themselves at the camps is as fulfilling as it gets.”
Beyond developing physical skills, Hughes talked about the value of mental resilience. He focuses on teaching athletes how to handle failure, which he views as a crucial component of growth.
“It’s how you handle failure in baseball, that’s my main message to them,” Hughes said. “If you get out seven out of ten times in your career, you’re still going to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Hughes also cautions against the pressures placed on young athletes, advocating for a focus on enjoyment. “The pressure that gets put onto kids is something to be wary about,” he advises. “Just have fun.”
For Hughes, youth sports extend beyond competition, they are about shaping character and equipping athletes with tools to navigate challenges. Ultimately, sports are not just about winning; they are about learning to persevere, grow, and savor the journey.
Nicho Jordan, Graduate Student and Center for the Golden eagles is a volunteer camp coordinator. The relationship between the youth community and him is a bond that can not be broken.
As a dedicated student and athlete, Jordan spends much of his time with his teammates, balancing academics and sports with his commitment to giving back. Most of the volunteer camps he participates in take place on weekends and early mornings, yet he remains unwavering in his dedication. For Jordan, helping others is more than just a task, it’s his passion.
“I wouldn’t rather be doing anything else other than this,” Jordan said. “I look at them and when I see them, I see myself. I would want someone to wake up on a Saturday morning to work out for me.”
From Tennessee, the focus shifts to the community-building efforts of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in California. The Single A baseball team serves as a central figure in its community, known for initiatives like their annual volunteer recycling drive. Through these actions, the Quakes have become more than just a baseball team, they have evolved into a unifying force for residents.
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According to Historic Baseball, Minor league teams often become community pillars, providing more than just entertainment. They create spaces where people gather, not only to watch baseball but to celebrate their collective spirit.
This is evident in Rancho Cucamonga, where the Quakes’ partnerships with local businesses, such as Wings and Rings, have played a significant role in fostering a sense of community pride.
Arriving on Base Line drive, owner of Wings and Rings Restaurant Ayman Ghabriel, shares his perspective on the Quakes’ impact. His son, who has grown up around the team, has seen firsthand how the Quakes bring the community together. From cheering in the stands to walking on the field, Gabriel’s family has experienced the powerful bond that sports can create.
This sense of togetherness extends deep into the heart of Rancho Cucamonga. The Quakes’ outreach has included sponsorships that have led to the development of parks, cultural centers, and youth programs, further solidifying their role as a cornerstone of community engagement.
Social media influencer and Baseball Fanatic Simon “Mr. Baseball” Turley reflects on his experiences attending games at the Quakes’ stadium, a small ballpark that has fostered a deep sense of connection among its fans. Turley shared the Quakes stadium features a kids zone and inflatable dinosaurs to play with. Unlike large-scale venues, the intimate atmosphere allows for personal interactions and a stronger community bond.
Turley shared how his father instilled in him at a young age the profound impact that sports, particularly baseball, can have on building and strengthening relationships. From playing catch in the backyard to attending Quakes/Dodgers games together, baseball became more than just a game, it had become a shared language, a bond that deepened with each inning and every moment spent at the ballpark.
“He showed me how important that game was, and that sense of community that you get through watching baseball, being a fan of a certain team, and how many brothers and sisters you get by being a part of that fandom,” Turley said.
Now, Turley carries his father’s vision forward, echoing the sentiments of millions around the world who believe in the power of sports to unite communities. The traditions and connections that baseball fostered in his upbringing are something he hopes to recreate with his own family in the future.
“Whenever I have kids, my goal would be to try and get them into baseball and sports in general both watching and playing because of the major impact that it had on my life,” Turley said. “I would take my kids to any minor league baseball game, they are more fun, and more focused on giving the people a good time.”
From the beaches of California, the story shifts to the cold temperatures in Western New York, where Kwame Oduro, legendary coach at St. Bonaventure University, has made a lasting impact on both the soccer field and the surrounding community. For Oduro, coaching goes far beyond wins and losses; it is about shaping young athletes into leaders who will make a positive impact on and off the field.
(00:51) “The sport we have is a vehicle to do something more,” Oduro said. “And whether we win or lose, if we can effect change or effect peoples lives in a positive way, thats always a big plus.”
Oduro has spent years developing talent at St. Bonaventure, where he has made youth development a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. His approach to coaching involves not only recruiting players but also investing in their personal growth, both on and off the field. His influence reaches beyond the pitch, as he has worked to create mentorship programs, encourage academic excellence, and foster engagement with the local community.
(1:26) “For us it is a big part of what we are and what we do at St. Bonaventure, it’s a community already,” Oduro said. “We obviously want to affect the community around us. We go to schools and read to them, we go to schools and do clinics, we do lunch ins with kids, we invite kids to our games and they can be on the sidelines with us.”
Oduro’s outreach has left an indelible mark on both the St. Bonaventure community and the surrounding area. His work, which includes youth clinics and academic support programs, has helped shape the lives of countless young athletes. More than just a coach, Oduro is a product of the same system he now seeks to strengthen. Having experienced firsthand the power of sports in shaping young lives, Oduro uses his own journey to inspire the next generation.
(6:05) “I think growing up, being on an any team in where I grew up, that was your family. Your coach was like your second father,” Oduro said. “Some you play with that didn’t have a mom or dad so the coach became the most important person in your life and then your teammates became your brothers and thats where the family bond was created.”
Oduro’s legacy at St. Bonaventure now takes him to a new challenge. As he transitions to a position on the coaching staff at Oregon State University’s women’s soccer team, Oduro’s commitment to youth development and community engagement will continue to be a driving force in his career.
These stories remind us that while the field may be where the game is played, it is the relationships formed off it that truly define success. In the end, it’s not the wins or losses that matter most, it is leaving behind a legacy that echoes far beyond the final whistle.