One Student at a Time

Dec 11, 2016

When St. Luke’s United Methodist Church said they wanted to feature Fields & Futures at their December 11 service, they asked if there was a student-athlete they could talk to … someone who had been impacted by our work. We immediately thought of Jeremie Allen, now a freshman at U.S. Grant High School.

In this short video produced by St. Lukes, you’ll meet Jeremie and his younger brother, Malachi. They embody everything we hope for in young OKCPS student-athletes. Focused, hard working and determined to make their parents and coaches proud, both young men are doing what it takes to keep themselves on a solid path to graduation and a rewarding life beyond high school. But it wasn’t always easy and Jeremie will be the first to tell you, he made a lot of bad choices as a young kid. But then he met two coaches who wouldn’t give up on him.

With a lot of tough love and positive encouragement, Jefferson Middle School coaches Ivan Esau and Juan Lozano helped get Jeremie on a better path. Helping him understand the consequences of his choices, Jeremie finally understood only he can decide what kind of young man he wants to be. He opted for the young man we see today … courageous, caring and committed to doing what it takes to be his very best self.

We’re proud of you, Jeremie! Keep up the great work. SEE VIDEO HERE.

Game, Set, Impact: A Q&A With Our New Development Director, Emmy Hufnagel

Emmy Hufnagel is an avid tennis player, former triathlete, and the newest addition to the Fields & Futures team. As our Development Director, Emmy brings a wealth of experience in youth sports advocacy and nonprofit leadership. Having seen firsthand the impact of sports on young lives, Emmy is dedicated to helping us take the next big step—from building fields to filling them with kids.

Meet Cody Laurendi, Fields & Futures’ New Director of Soccer

Cody Laurendi is a former OKC Energy FC goalkeeper and the newest member of the Fields & Futures team. As Director of Soccer & Youth Sports Advocate, Cody has shifted his focus from playing the game to growing it. With his passion for the game and vision for increasing youth participation in Oklahoma City, Cody is a key player in helping us keep our goal of creating more opportunities on and off the pitch.

What Drives Capitol Hill and U.S. Grant Football?

U.S. Grant and Capitol Hill may be rivals, but their football programs have more in common than their annual "Southside Bedlam" rivalry game. From 2014-2020, the OSSAA allowed both programs to play as independents so they could create their own schedules and rebuild their programs. Now playing in Class 6A, neither team has found success in district play, but they also know the scoreboard isn't the only standard of success.

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