Our 2019-2020 cohort of AmeriCorps coaches has had an experience like no other group in our past decade of existence. The final several months of their service term has been interrupted due to the effects of COVID-19, the unexpected pandemic that has changed so much of the world as we know it. While it remains uncertain when - or if - our regular routines and experiences will ever return to normal, one thing we know for sure is that Up2Us Sports will always remember this group of coaches. Their tremendous ability to persist amidst uncertainty and adapt their coaching from the norm to the new normal will leave a lasting impression on us, but more importantly, on the youth they work with.

This summer, over 176 coaches will complete their year of service. Many will go on to work full-time at their host site or full-time in another position or full-time back to school. Around 25% (45) coaches are renewing for another service term as an Up2Us Sports coach, and others will go on to serve in another AmeriCorps position that will allow them to continue giving back and helping their communities recover from the repercussions of COVID-19. No matter their next steps, we want to express our sincere appreciation for their commitment to learning, growing and giving back; to helping not only themselves get through this difficult period of time, but the organization they served in and the youth they kept in touch with over hundreds of hours of Zoom calls, Google Hangouts, text messages, Instagram posts and phone calls.

Thank you, Coaches. You’ll always be a part of the Up2Us Sports family, but will stand out as the coaches who persevered through the pandemic that changed the World.