Jason: Coach Across America

Thank you, Coach Across America!

Marcus Allen Speaking at the Press Conference

This great organization reaches 50,000 children across the nation, supporting member organizations to train and host highly effective coaches in sports and youth development. Now, Green, Ashe and LHA are benefiting from a coalition between CAA, The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation, and Mercedes-Benz USA.

Thanks to these organizations, we can gladly welcome our new coach to Green, Coach Dwight! He’ll be working hard this year, teaching our kids about perseverance, self-improvement, and success through sports education.

As usual, FirstLine celebrated in style.

On Monday, Coach Across America brought along four athletic superstars: Dr. Edwin Moses, Marcus Allen, Robby Naish, and Monica Seles. Each of them represents absolute success in their sport, and now they want to give back. They spoke at a press conference in Green’s library about their personal journeys and their appreciation for education and great coaches. Mr. Allen inspired our scholars with a memory from his childhood: “When I was young,” he said. “I made the decision about which side of the TV I wanted to be on. You can make the same decision and be a person who does more than watch.”

Monica Seles and an A's & Aces Coach play
with a couple students at Green

After the press conference, everyone headed downstairs for playtime with the stars. In typical New Orleans fashion, an incoming storm threatened to end the sports planned for outside, but the students refused to let a little rain stop their fun. They broke up into groups, either going long for a pass with the football, running rugby drills, or lining up for free throws on the basketball court. When the shower really set in, everybody moved inside.

A makeshift tennis court was set up on one side of the cafeteria. Two girls faced off against one of the A’s and Aces coaches and Monica Seles for a quick lesson. In the middle of the room, a small group kicked around a soccer ball. On the stage end, Green’s dance troupe showed off their moves.

Thanks to Mercedes-Benz USA for funding this initiative and to our Wellness Committee – especially Chef April and Alisha – for organizing the grant that made this possible. We at FirstLine know that parents care deeply about their children’s academic performance, but that’s only part of the formula that makes our schools such a success. Good coaches and physical education is an important part of character development, so here’s a shout-out to all the hardworking coaches giving 100% at FirstLine Schools!

Check out pictures and info from the story on nola.com.


Jason Lacoste is the AmeriCorps VISTA K-8 Outreach Coordinator for FirstLine Schools.