Student Voices, Lasting Impact: Inside Our Summer Enrichment Fundraiser

On Sunday, January 11, Beat the Streets LA hosted our Summer Enrichment Fundraiser at Mt. SAC, bringing together supporters, students, and community partners for an afternoon that showcased both the impact of our work and the future we are building. Guests had the opportunity to see firsthand how our programming supports young people across Los Angeles through wrestling, leadership development, and academic enrichment.

Student voices were at the center of the luncheon, with two student-athletes sharing powerful reflections on their experiences during the 2024–25 season. Their testimonies highlighted how Beat the Streets LA programming has positively shaped their athletic development, academic goals, and personal growth.

A highlight of the luncheon was hearing directly from these two students, whose journeys reflect the impact of supporter-funded programming. Saphiyah A., a Tomorrow’s Leader and Beat the Streets National Camp and Duals Team member, delivered a moving speech about how the Tomorrow’s Leaders program helped her build confidence, develop a positive sense of self, and feel empowered both on and off the mat. She shared how wrestling became a space for growth, skill-building, and self-belief.

Nyol J., also a Beat the Streets National Camp and Duals Team member and Apprentice Coach, spoke about his experience participating in Tomorrow’s Leaders workshops and how they prepared him with practical, real-world skills, including resume building, leadership development, and support throughout the college application process. His remarks highlighted the importance of creating pathways that extend beyond athletics and into long-term success.

The luncheon also featured special remarks from two-time Olympic champion, wrestling legend, and USA Wrestling President Bruce Baumgartner. He spoke in support of California Baptist University Wrestling, which is currently fighting to keep its program from being cut, and emphasized the critical role collegiate wrestling programs play in developing young athletes. Drawing from his personal journey, he highlighted how wrestling builds discipline, confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills, underscoring the importance of continued community investment in youth and collegiate wrestling.

Following the luncheon, the focus shifted to the mat as the dual between California Baptist University and West Virginia University began. The event opened with a joyful and meaningful ceremony, as 20 Beat the Streets LA youth, ages 4 to 10, joined the collegiate athletes to shake hands across the mat. This moment served as a powerful reminder that wrestling is more than a sport. It is a community rooted in inclusion, growth, and connection across generations.

During intermission, Beat the Streets LA, in partnership with Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, hosted an elite women’s freestyle match featuring BTSLA alum, 2024 U20 World Team member, and 2025 Senior National Team member Brianna Gonzalez, who faced off against Katie Gomez, a 2021 Cadet World Champion and 2023 U23 World Team member. The match highlighted both the excellence of women’s wrestling and the long-term impact of investing in athlete development.

After the final matches, athletes stayed to sign autographs, take photos, and connect with attendees. These moments reinforced the broader purpose of the fundraiser: building community, inspiring young people, and creating access to opportunities that extend far beyond competition.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported this event. Your generosity directly fuels our summer programming and makes it possible for young athletes to grow as leaders, students, and competitors. The experiences shared throughout the day were made possible because of you.