Across Oklahoma City’s urban core, a transformative movement is reshaping the lives of young people through the power of sports and the presence of hope.
Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) has a storied history of producing some of the state’s best athletes and teams. However, as resources dwindled and facilities suffered from decades of neglect, sports participation dropped, and the once-thriving sports culture in OKCPS declined. The impact was felt not only in the performance of teams but also in the overall morale and engagement of students in the district.
Today, OKCPS is committed once again to fostering a coaching culture that attracts and retains quality coaches who aim not just to elevate competitiveness but to be positive, steady influences in the lives of their athletes. This initiative is grounded in the belief that team sports profoundly and positively impact young people, providing them with hope, mentorship, and the tools to achieve their goals.
The Impact of Team Sports on Youth
Team sports play a crucial role in the development of young people, offering more than just physical activity. In OKCPS and Oklahoma City’s urban core, access to sports gives kids hope that a happy, healthy life and a brighter future await. Here, coaches are agents of hope, showing kids their potential and guiding them toward their life goals. As mentors, they instill discipline, teamwork, and resilience, equipping young athletes with the skills they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Building a Strong Foundation
In 2012, Fields & Futures recognized an opportunity to revitalize sports participation across the district. Our first step was to level the playing field by rebuilding athletic fields, courts, and playing surfaces.
Starting with Jefferson Middle School, we have since completed 69 projects. These projects include soccer fields, football fields, softball fields, baseball fields, futsal courts, basketball courts, tracks, and putting greens. These efforts reignited excitement for OKCPS Athletics, and community support poured in. OKCPS and other community partners have stepped in to upgrade facilities all over the district.
With a solid foundation of quality and maintained fields in place, the focus is now on developing athletes and empowering coaches through clinics, camps, and continued learning opportunities. And we are already seeing the fruits of these efforts. This past year, OKCPS was home to state champions in basketball, tennis, and track.
Cultivating Excellence
The district’s commitment to establishing a robust coaching culture is integral to the district’s vision of long-term success and sustainability in sports.
Coaches like John Marshall High School Boys Basketball Coach Patrick Cudjoe exemplify the potential for longevity and success within OKCPS. Having recently won his 500th career game, Coach Cudjoe has devoted 27 years to coaching in the district, demonstrating that a rewarding and impactful coaching career is possible in OKCPS.
Recently, OKCPS Athletics has made several impactful coaching hires by bringing in individuals with championship pedigrees and a commitment to developing people, not just athletes. These hires include former professional athletes, collegiate all-Americans, state champions, all-staters, and OKCPS graduates.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Fields & Futures and OKCPS share a vision to make OKCPS a destination job for coaches, not just a stepping stone to the next big coaching job. By creating a supportive and resource-rich environment, this commitment to coaching excellence will further transform the lives of young people in Oklahoma City, providing them with the hope and opportunities they deserve.
Through the combined efforts of Fields & Futures, community support, and a focus on quality coaching, Oklahoma City Public Schools is once again becoming a beacon of hope and excellence in youth sports.