Coach Anthony: Rising Above Adversity and Empowering the Next Generation

Coach Anthony

Pronouns: He/Him

Hometown: Guguletu, Section 2

Favorite Sport: Football and MMA

Coach Anthony understands and has personally faced the harsh realities of growing up in an area deeply impacted by gang violence. Yet, with the support of strong role models like his mother and community leaders, he found his calling as a coach at the School of Hard Knocks. Today, he combines his passion for sports with a mission to inspire our students and community, encouraging them to rise above their circumstances and shape their own futures.

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

Well I grew up in a area where gang violence was an pandemic and I was fortunate enough that I was raised in a Christian Household and I had strict parents but I always looked up to my mother. She was a single parent who owned a mini spaza shop and netball team, and I think that was from her. My football coach (Bra Sticks) was the biggest role model in my life. He did numerous community work, and you could see changes in people's lives; he found safe homes for neglected children, which led me to this path of supporting my community.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

By being open minded coming in to the sessions with a fixed way of doing things is good but leaving room for unexpected questions or answers is a bonus. And continuesly asking are we in the same page or do you helps alot in sessions to see if no one is left behind and the last one is to be flexible.

What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?

Don't let the environment you were growing up in determine your future.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I always give myself time to do what I love and be around people I love. Don't dwell on things that are out of your control.

Coaches like Anthony play a transformative role in the lives of students at the School of Hard Knocks, offering both guidance and hope in challenging environments. By leading with empathy and dedication, they help young people discover their potential and break the cycle of adversity in their communities.