The cool breeze of fall carried with it more than just the scent of changing leaves this year—it brought a wave of excitement to the Highline School District. More than 60 fourth and fifth graders from Seahurst Elementary, Cedarhurst Elementary, Hazel Valley Elementary, and Hilltop Elementary schools laced up their sneakers and picked up hockey sticks for a groundbreaking after-school program: street hockey.
For four weeks in 2024, from October 21 to November 14, the Sports in Schools program transformed schoolyards into bustling hockey courts. Twice a week, students who had never touched a hockey stick became goalies, forwards, and defenders, learning the ins and outs of a sport they had only seen on TV. Rodney Brown of Brown 5 Athletics, who sparked the idea, worked tirelessly to bring this program to life. With philanthropic support, the program was offered at no cost to participants. It was a community effort in every sense of the word.
Brown saw an opportunity to introduce street hockey to Burien after discovering a gap in traditional sports offerings. His vision came to life with the help of a Thunderbird Community Foundation grant, which laid the foundation for the program. To eliminate barriers to participation, practices were held directly after school, and free snacks and drinks were offered. Highline School District buses were made available for players who needed transportation home, ensuring convenience for families.
Support from One Roof Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena, elevated the program to new heights. The foundation provided financial backing and a treasure trove of hockey equipment, including sticks, balls, jerseys, goals, and even a replica of the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup. Brown also secured court barriers to keep the games organized, ensuring students could focus on honing their skills without interruptions.
The culmination of the program came on November 16 with a vibrant jamboree at Seahurst Elementary School. Parents, teachers, and community members gathered to cheer as the young athletes showcased their newfound skills. The event was a celebration of teamwork, growth, and the pure joy of play.
The crowning moment came when the replica Stanley Cup was presented to the participants as a tangible reminder of their hard work and achievements. “The kids absolutely loved the program,” shared Coach Mason Costantino, a teacher at Hilltop Elementary School. “Most of them had never played hockey before, and by the end, they were letting me know they were practicing at home and looking for more opportunities to play. Kids still wear their jerseys to school and show off the trophy in our school trophy case with pride.”
Camden, a student participant from Cedarhurst Elementary School beamed, “It was fun! I’ve never been on a hockey team before.”
Arayah, another student participant from Cedarhurst, added, “It was good, I had fun! I’ve never been on a hockey team before. I would do it again.”
The success of the street hockey program was a testament to the power of collaboration. Friends, family, and school administrators rallied behind the initiative, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every practice and game. The program not only introduced students to a new sport, it also fostered a sense of community and teamwork.
The street hockey program serves as a shining example of how innovative sports initiatives can engage youth, break down barriers, and create lasting memories. With continued support, programs like this have the potential to inspire a lifelong love of sports and teamwork in young athletes across the district.
