One of the goals for all schools in the Denair Unified School District is to create a welcoming

environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

There are many ways to accomplish that. At Denair Middle School, one of the strategies involves athletics and a program known as the Purple Squad.

At Thursday night’s meeting of the district’s Board of Trustees, two DMS coaches and Principal Gabriela Sarmiento explained how increased participation in sports helps to reduce barriers and make students feel more included.

The Purple Squad is a way for students who are not selected for the competitive teams in girls volleyball and boys and girls basketball to have an opportunity to play recreationally in an organized environment led by coaches Mary Ann Urrutia (volleyball), Elvia Brizuela (volleyball and girls basketball) and Sarah Rush (boys and girls basketball) and Athletic Director Gavin Souza.

“The opportunity for students to engage helps them develop their skills and confidence,” Sarmiento explained. “They don’t have to be the best athlete. They just need to learn how to be part of a team.”

Of the 40 or so girls who played volleyball earlier this fall or are playing basketball now, about 90% have participated in both. A couple of dozen boys are expected to be part of the Purple Squad basketball squads starting in January. The teams are mostly comprised of sixth-graders, but there are seventh- and eighth-graders as well.

All the students benefit from the coaching – which focuses on each sport’s fundamentals – and gain valuable experience. At an age where youngster’s bodies are maturing at different rates, it’s not unusual for Purple Squad participants to improve to the point where they make the competitive teams at DMS or the high school next door in future years.

“If I hear of a young lady who didn’t make the seventh- or eighth-grade team, I encourage her,” Urrutia said. “Maybe all she needs is the coaching and a chance to build her skills.”

Purple Squad alumni who are members of the high school teams have come back to help coach, Urrutiasaid, providing real-life examples of how young athletes can improve with time and experience.“There’s a reason we have freshmen, JV and varsity teams (at the high school). It’s because you guys have created a pipeline,” Trustee Ray Prock Jr. said. “It’s also cool to see older students come back and help coach.”

Added Trustee Crystal Souza: “I love how the seventh- and eighth-graders who don’t make the competitive teams have a chance. Sometimes, all they need is an opportunity to develop that skill before they reach high school and can try out again.”

Reaction from players in the Purple Squad program is universally positive.

“I’ve enjoyed spending time with my friends and also being able to play with people I didn’t know,” said sixth-grader Naomi S., whose goal is to make the competitive volleyball team next year.

Emma M. said she has “enjoyed making new friends and learning to serve overhand (in volleyball).”

“I learned how to serve, pass and just play volleyball,” said sixth-grader Zoe C., who like Naomi hopes to be on the competitive team next season.

Brooke Pedro, who played volleyball for Urrutia in 2023, wrote her a thank you note for challenging her and teaching her new skills. “I hope I will make you proud.”

Rush, who has coached in the program for nine years, recalled a special moment last season on her boys basketball team that was about more than just skill development.

“Last year was my first year to have a student with disabilities on the team and to watch my players helping him and cheering him on was a special moment for me as a coach and as a para in the special education department,” she said. “I would really love to see more students with disabilities come out for sports and be fully included in our sports programs.”

Denair Superintendent Terry Metzger thanked the coaches for their work in the Purple Squad program, which has seen a steady growth in participation. She also linked the program to improved academic achievement at DMS and credited it with helping to build a positive campus culture.

“It’s a beautiful example of how it all works together,” she said.

In other action Thursday, trustees:

Voted unanimously to approve two out-of-town trips for Denair High students and chaperones next spring. The first is for up to 16 FFA students and advisors to attend the California State FFA Leadership Convention scheduled April 3-6 in Sacramento. The conference will include convention general sessions and workshops, a career show and an FFA national shop. The second trip is the annual Grad Night visit to Disneyland by graduating seniors on May 18-19.