A Game Plan for Success

Young Quakers Community Athletics connects Penn student-athletes with West Philadelphia K-8 students for valuable lessons—on and off the field

Spring 2024
Writer: Sarah Punderson
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On weekday afternoons, students from three local University-Assisted Community Schools join a team of “Big Quakers” for after-school coaching and mentorship.

“The program does so much more than teach young kids about sports,” says Ira Harkavy, the Barbara and Edward Netter Director of the Netter Center. “When they are paired with Penn’s student-athletes, Young Quakers also get mentorship, academic advice, and life skills.”

Youth lacrosse game in progress at an outdoor stadium on a sunny day. Players in motion on a bright blue turf field, with one player in the foreground wearing dark gear labeled 'Young Quakers' and numbered 14. Historic brick buildings form the backdrop, enhancing the collegiate setting.

Penn student-athletes are also finding the relationships to be mutually beneficial. “What I love about being a Big Quaker is seeing the kids grow in their love of sports and in their comfort level around me,” says Sahil Dodda, C’26, a member of the men’s track and field team. “I’m getting so much joy and fulfillment out of being a Big Quaker,” adds Eden Wright, C’26, a member of the women’s lacrosse team. “The kids have taught me how to lead with empathy and patience.”

Young Quakers Community Athletics (YQCA) has been powered by philanthropy since it began in 2012, the result of a partnership between the Netter Center and Penn Athletics. “The challenge in continuing this work is finding people who are prepared to financially support this dream we have of creating opportunities for urban youth through mentorship, tutoring, and coaching with our student-athletes,” says Alanna Shanahan, C’96, T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Athletics and Recreation.

Ensuring we have the resources to continue YQCA will create a legacy that the entire Penn community can be proud of.”Alanna Shanahan, C’96, T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Athletics and Recreation

Heartwarming scene on an indoor basketball court where members of the women's basketball team in red 'PENN' uniforms engage with a young child. The players are smiling and focused on the child, who seems excited and active. The gymnasium is bustling with other participants, conveying a sense of community and inclusivity.

Thousands of Penn students—athletes and non-athletes alike—participate in Netter Center programming. Students can receive academic credit by enrolling in Academically Based Community Service courses or engaging through programs like YQCA, which is helping to fulfill the Netter Center’s core mission of creating mutually beneficial partnerships between Penn and West Philadelphia. “Big Quakers learn how to lead and how to take on more responsibility,” says Harkavy. “They have incredibly busy schedules, but this partnership is often their most enjoyable time of the week.”

To support the Young Quakers program, email Sara Kelly, Director of Young Quakers Community Athletics, at sdkelly@sas.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-5351.