Photo Gallery (images by Meghan Bushnell)

San Francisco, CA – In a memorable event which united the young and dedicated minds of over 200 students from the surrounding Bay Area elementary schools, Academy of Art University hosted the Playworks San Francisco Junior Coach Leadership Conference this past Saturday. Held at ART U's Cannery Building, the conference featured inspiring discussions on anti-bullying techniques, how to be a leader, public speaking, and teamwork with members of the Urban Knights' own Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

“It is a great honor to partner with Playworks to put students from some of the lowest performing schools in a stronger learning environment,” Academy of Art University President Dr. Elisa Stephens said. “This program is a smart approach to helping some of the Bay Area's most disadvantaged students gain important leadership skills that will help them accomplish their goals throughout life.”

“Working with the kids was a lot of fun,” men's basketball center and SAAC chair Hunter Hayden said. “I was sitting where they were 12 years ago and can say for sure that stuff like this helps propel them towards success. It's just great to be a part of that and to give back to them what my role models gave to me.”

Playworks, a national nonprofit organization that provides safe, healthy, inclusive play and physical activity to schools at recess and throughout the entire school day, welcomed fourth and fifth grade students from 26 elementary schools throughout San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo County, to develop their skills in leadership, conflict resolution and team work – with a specific focus on anti-bullying.

These Playworks Junior Coaches, who receive training year-round at their schools to prepare them to be leaders in their community, were able to hear not only from the various ART U athletes proudly pioneering the Urban Knights program, but also Director of Athletics Dr. Jamie Williams who set out to unify art and athletics years ago with the mantra of “Be Artist. Be Athlete.”

“The job Playworks is doing with young people is robust and necessary in terms of building self-esteem, health and leadership," Dr. Williams said. "I'm so happy that a number of our athletes had the opportunity to serve as mentors to their young and developing leaders. Many thanks go out to our President, Elisa Stephens, for  allowing Playworks to host their leadership conference for 4th and 5th graders at our Cannery Building at Fisherman's Wharf. I'm also hoping we can continue this community service relationship for the great cause of growing leaders at an early age.”

“My experience with the Playworks event was good and super fun,” women's volleyball middle blocker Holli "Ka'ena" Kaina said. “I love how these kids are taking a stand in their schools to become leaders on the playground. It was really enjoyable to get to know the kids on a personal level and I was so shocked to hear about the things that go on in their schools, like bullying and fights. It was such an awesome experience just being there and being able to share my knowledge of being a leader with these young minds so that they can take that knowledge and become better leaders in their schools, community and homes.”

Among the activities Saturday was a panel discussion between Dr. Williams, the ART U student-athletes, and a sea of eager future leaders as well as a series of breakout sessions where athletes had more one-on-one time with their younger counterparts. All parties were given the opportunity to meet and learn from each other while focusing on the topics of public speaking, leadership, anti-bullying, and goal-setting.

“The Playworks event was such an inspiring thing to be a part of because those kids are the next generation. They are the ones who will take our place!” women's golfer Sierra Sanchez said. “Having even the slightest opportunity to influence them in a positive way not only ensures a better future for them, but a brighter future for all of us.”

“This experience was great,” men's basketball guard Czar Robotham said. “I'm glad that I could be a part of it and help out the youth. Not only did they learn, but I also learned from them, and that's great.”

The Urban Knights and Playworks, who have teamed up previously, were dedicated to giving back to the community particularly to those less privileged. The Junior Coach program is a part of Playworks curriculum currently serving 26 Elementary Schools, 24 of which are low-income, meaning 50% or more of the students receive free or reduced lunch.  Teachers report regaining 24 hours each per year of teaching time and attribute it to the Playworks' program that reduces conflicts on the recess playground and thus reduce time spent resolving these conflict in the classroom.

“It was fantastic last Saturday with Playworks,” men's track & field athlete Shaquille Howard said. “These kids had so much energy in them that they turned me into a kid also. It was great teaching them how to be leaders and how to stop bullying, but these kids taught me something as well. They taught me about responsibility and trust so I sincerely thank them and I'm looking forward to it again next year.”

Equipped with a more knowledge about what it means to be a leader, the Junior Coaches exited the conference with an excitement to meet any future challenges head on.

“I think the best part about helping at Playworks was seeing a difference in the kids from the start of the event to the end,” women's basketball guard Madeline Martin said. “I even felt myself having to come out of my shell a little bit to really engage with the kids who were more shy and nervous to make them feel like it was ok to speak up and participate. I saw things really start to click for some of these kids as they began to formulate ideas and beliefs about topics like bullying that are big parts of their lives right now. I couldn't help but smile and feel a little bit proud that I got to be their group leader. It was crazy some of the things the kids in my group told me that they hear on the playground, in the classroom, and amongst their friends. Hopefully being a part of Playworks will give them the tools and confidence they need to stand up to the negativities surrounding them. This event was great and I am thinking about volunteering at a local school during recess sometime. I mean who doesn't miss recess!!”

Find more information on Playworks San Francisco at the following link: