PCA / New York Liberty Gathering
Positive Coaching Alliance-NYC Board Member Jenn Skylakos and her husband, Carlos Ribeiro, graciously opened up their lovely Harlem residence for a unique gathering that brought together notable figures in professional sports and youth sports development. The intimate evening played host to Sandy Brondello, the Head Coach of the WNBA Champion New York Liberty, and Keia Clarke, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of the same franchise. This special event served as a unique opportunity for supporters of Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) to engage directly with leaders in the sports community and learn more about PCA’s impactful work in New York City.
The evening commenced with a cocktail reception, where over forty guests were welcomed into the friendly and inviting atmosphere of the Skylakos-Ribeiro home. The relaxed setting allowed attendees to connect over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, fostering a sense of community amongst those passionate about sports and its power to positively influence young people. Importantly, it also allowed guests to meet and interact personally with Sandy and Keia, setting a tone of open dialogue for the remainder of the event.
After the cocktail hour, the focus shifted to the evening’s program, which began with remarks from PCA representatives Jake Wald and Daycia McClam. They provided an overview of PCA’s history and its impact on the youth sports landscape in New York City. Their presentation underscored the organization’s dedication to fostering positive coaching practices and creating environments where young athletes can thrive, both on and off the field.
They detailed ambitious plans for strategically expanding and accelerating PCA’s impact across the city. A key element of this programmatic growth will be a concerted effort to address the numerous barriers to access sports that youth from underserved communities face. Furthermore, PCA will intensify its focus on ensuring young girls get in the game and benefit from positive youth sports experiences.
This will involve developing targeted programming and building the capacity of youth-serving organizations throughout New York City, including the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, NYC Parks and Recreation, and the Public School Athletic League. This strategic focus aims to increase female participation and ensure that girls have equal opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of sports.
The evening then transitioned to a highly anticipated fireside chat led by PCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jason Sacks. He engaged in an illuminating conversation with Sandy Brondello and Keia Clarke, drawing out their experiences and perspectives on a wide range of topics. The discussion offered a fascinating glimpse into the New York Liberty’s recent championship journey and delved into broader themes of leadership and team dynamics, exploring the strategies and philosophies that underpin effective collaboration and the cultivation of a winning culture. The fireside chat concluded with an engaging audience question-and-answer session.
In line with PCA’s efforts in the state, Keia Clarke talked about their partnership with the Department of Education, where “Every single week they host two clinics a day in the Brooklyn School District, powered by the Nets and Liberty with fully trained coaches. The kids may not go pro or play in high school, but they got their heart rate up and had someone teach them the proper way to shoot and dribble, and it was an exposure point that the child can take with them the rest of their lives.”
Sandy Brondello discussed the value, as a coach, of connecting with her players first. “It’s so important to put the players first, build those strong relationships, and then go to work creating the bonds when the buy-in is there. Basketball has not changed much; it has just evolved, and there are more eyes on us now. It’s fun to see these players get the recognition they deserve.”
Finally, Keia thanked everyone in attendance, saying, “I am thankful for everyone who is here and involved in the work that PCA does because personally, we’ve had quite a challenging start to our kids playing sports. I was vocal about a challenging coach, and now I’ve become involved as a coach because I needed to get in the game- it’s not enough just to speak up. We focus as a family on having fun and learning the right way to play the game.”
A relaxed and engaged atmosphere prevailed throughout the evening, fostering a genuine connection between the attendees and the distinguished guests of honor. The conversations that unfolded offered a deeper understanding of the positive and transformative impact that youth sports, when done right, can have on the lives of young people, shaping their character, fostering resilience, and instilling lifelong values. The event served not only as a fundraiser and awareness builder for PCA but also as an inspiring testament to the power of sports to positively influence the lives of young people and the importance of leadership and community in making those opportunities accessible to all.
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