At Kids in the Game, we take great pride in our talented and diverse staff. We have coaches from across the United States as well as various countries, who have trained in multiple sports and performing arts and are dedicated to teaching today’s youth / tomorrow’s future—and we like to show them off!
In this week’s we focus on one of our all-star coaches, Denise Garcia.
Tell us a little about yourself, Denise…
I’m a native New Yorker, Brooklyn to be exact. After completing my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe College, I began classes at Hunter College working towards my Bachelors Degree in English for Secondary Education. I’m also minoring in Africana and Puerto Rican studies, which I hope to use teaching English to students in Ecuador, where much of my family still lives.
How did you get involved with Kids in the Game?
I first started working for Kids in the Game about a year and a half ago. I was drawn to their devotion to the youth of NYC and felt that it was something that I wanted to be a part of. Since I began working with Kids in the Game, I have worked with schools all across the city and currently work at PS 39 in Park Slope, Brooklyn and Immaculate Conception School in South Bronx.
What do you enjoy most about working with Kids in the Game?
One of the best things about working with Kids in the Game is being part of a team of great coaches who get along and care about the children in our communities. We all love the fact that we can encourage children through fitness and sports. Our staff meetings are filled with great stories of children gaining confidence, learning teamwork, and exhibiting sportsmanship—which are all qualities that will stay with them beyond the playground.
Favorite sport?
That’s a tough one – there are so many to love! My two favorites are basketball and volleyball.
Favorite sports team?
I’m a die-hard KNICKS fan! Knicks, Yankees, everything New York!
Good answer, Coach! Last question: What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
One thing everyone should know is I am fundraising for a mission trip to Ecuador. I am Ecuadorian and am passionate about bringing quality and accessible education back home. My vision is to provide free English and creative writing classes for children. After a few years of coaching with Kids in the Game, I also feel equipped to start a youth soccer team and provide sports equipment for them as well.
Coach Denise is in her last year at CUNY Hunter College where she will be graduating in May 2015. She is a second-year coach for Kids in the Game and we couldn’t be more proud to have her on staff. Best of luck Denise!