Alameda Education Foundation (AEF [1]), which administers Middle School Sports for Alameda Unified School District, celebrates the close of the 2024-2025 school year with congratulations and thanks to all of the student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families for a positive and successful year of sports, teamwork, and camaraderie.
[2]The school year kicked off with Coed Volleyball [3], where both of Lincoln Middle School’s teams went undefeated in the regular season. Academy of Alameda and Encinal Junior High teams gave Lincoln’s D2 and D1 teams a run for their money, but ultimately Lincoln came out on top.
Then it was time for Girls Basketball [4], a thrilling season that culminated in some competitive final matches. In our DI division, Academy of Alameda competed with gusto and managed to beat out Wood Middle School for a spot in the Championships. Although Lincoln ended up taking the win in the DI division, Wood’s DII team managed to beat Lincoln’s previously undefeated team, which made for very exciting championship matches.
[5]On to Boy’s Basketball [6] after that, where another exciting season saw Wood stake their claim as the winners in both DI and DII. In a very close DII Championship game, Lincoln put up quite a fight but Wood managed to snag out the win with a final score of 36-34.
The school year wrapped up with Track & Field [7]—over 300 students from all six middle schools came out to compete. Athletes had the opportunity to run sprints and distance events as well as compete in field events such as mini javelin, shot put, and long jump. It was a competitive season and every school site had at least one athlete who won a medal. A special thanks to our volunteers who helped support our meets and ensured a successful season for all—we couldn’t have done it without you.
[8]The Middle School Sports Program [9] continues to foster a positive environment for students to grow and learn important life skills such as good sportsmanship, maintaining a positive attitude even if the outcome is not what they wanted, and developing leadership abilities. One eighth-grade athlete shared that his time playing basketball this year made him “a better leader.” And one coach shared that an unlikely student took on the mantle of leader for his team. “One of [my] shyest students became a starter and a leader this year,” the coach said.
This sports program helps to bring students out of their comfort zone and develop friendships for years to come. Many coaches note this about the program, sharing that athletes became friends off the court/field and students that have previously not been as social came out of their shells and found their joy. One coach added that “being part of the team improved [an athlete’s] emotional and mental health.”
[10]The power of the sports program extends its reach into academics and overall behavior improvements as well. More than 250 athletes improved their grades or participated in academic programs this year to remain eligible for their team, and 200 of the student-athletes improved behavior and school performance—including attendance—as a result of participation.
One coach shared that a student-athlete “was able to pull up his grades across the board and his teachers reported he was more respectful in his interactions with them.” Another coach added, “One of my students got his GPA above a 3.0 and had zero behavior issues during the season.”
Again, congratulations to all of the student-athletes and deep thanks to the coaches, volunteers, and families who made this a great year!
For more information about the AEF Middle School Sports program, email [email protected] [11] or visit the AEF Middle School Sports [12] website.
Lily Gates-Tilles is Alameda Education Foundation Sports Program Manager.
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