Project Coach

Teach a Child. Coach a Team. Change a Life!

We Coach for Change

Project Coach is a partnership between Smith College and Springfield Public Schools that provides a sports-based life skills program that teaches teens to coach and mentor youth within their community. Our teen coaches work side by side with Smith staff, Smith graduate and undergraduate students, and Springfield Public School educators to run a free out-of-school time program for elementary students in Springfield, closing the play gap for children as they build their own life and leadership skills. By applying the high-impact skills they use on the playing field in school and community, our coaches create powerful change in their own lives and communities.

Learn more

Project Coach is supported by:

Many generous private donors who have long believed in the Project Coach model.
For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, contact Graeham at gdodd@smith.edu.

Sponsors

Baystate Health

The Kate Risley Foundation, Inc.

The Jandon Foundation

Mass Mentoring Partnership

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Mass Mutual

Partnerships

Project Coach is part of the Education Initiative in the Smith College Jandon Center for Community Engagement

Springfield Public Schools

Baystate Health

Smith College Athletics

New North Citizens Council

Springfield School Volunteers

Blue Shirts

High School Mentors

Red Shirts

Smith College Graduate Fellows

Our Coaches

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Coaching Philosophy: ‘I believe a coach should always have patience, motivation and uplift others.’

– Yonailys Quinones, Blue Shirt

PC Inspiration: ‘I feel most rewarded when I am able to help my peers achieve their full potential and push past their perceived limits.’

– Sofia Trotta, Red Shirt

Why I coach: ‘I coach because I love working with children, and I can share my knowledge and be a role model for them.’

– Jaeleen Cruz, Blue Shirt

Fav PC Moment: ‘My favorite moment with a Blue shirt was when I caught a glimpse of a once shy blue shirt step out of her shell and use her coaching voice to freeze a game to make it better.’

– Shell Gleissner, Red Shirt

Define PC in your own words: ‘PC means we finally have a place to call home. I can finally be loud and be a leader!’

– Andronica Jackson, Blue Shirt

Coaching Philosophy: ‘You already have the skills to succeed: coaches just make sure you know that.’

– Tim Manugian, Red Shirt

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Meet Our Coaches

Contact Us

Your interest and involvement are invaluable to us and the community we uplift. Reach out, and let’s make a positive impact together!


For all things Project Coach and Red Shirts, contact Brittany at bgaetano@smith.edu.
For info on becoming a Blue Shirt, contact Yesenia at pcsuper@smith.edu.
For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, contact Graeham at gdodd@smith.edu.

Follow Our Journey

Stay in the loop with Project Coach! Follow us on social media for all our latest updates, stories, and inspiring moments.