Building FutureS THROUGH HEALTH AND WELLNESS
A community-driven, Tribal-partnered sports and wellness facility for youth, families, and Elders.
Rooted in community
SHYSA’s mission is to empower underserved rural youth through sports, fitness, mentorship, and culturally grounded leadership development. This mission is strengthened through collaboration with Tribal partners who help shape programming that reflects Native identity, values, and community priorities.
Youth in Southern Humboldt face disproportionate barriers to safe recreation and structured after-school opportunities. SHYSA’s partnership with community and Tribal leaders ensures equitable access, culturally relevant programming, and a facility that honors the original people of this land.
SHYSA blends sports, health, and wellness to create a holistic experience for youth. From the court to the redwoods, young people learn to challenge themselves, support one another, and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. We nurture curiosity, confidence, and community through every activity.
Nutruring Healthy Growth
The Southern Humboldt Youth Sports Association (SHYSA) is creating the region’s first year-round indoor gym and wellness center — a place where youth can grow, families can gather, and culture can thrive. In partnership with the Eel River Wailaki Tribe, we are building a facility rooted in community, culture, and opportunity.
The SHYSA Difference
We provide a unique blend of movement and education within a secure and supportive environment.
● Expert Guidance
Our staff are certified educators and have a genuine passion for youth development. Our programs are high energy and we offer a variety of options for kids of all ages!
We offer quality programming that places high value on the positive effects of movement and healthy habits. Our leaders are skilled and educated in their respective fields and bring that expertise to share with our community.
Knowledgeable Leaders
We encourage children to fully engage with their surroundings and build genuine connections We celebrate individuality and creativity. We absolutely enjoy our work and the results we see from our combined efforts.
● Pure Fun!!
Our programming brings me- Our work creates lasting impacts!
Snapshots of
impact
COMMUNITY VOICES
Damond and Tree have made a remarkable impact on youth, including our sons, Elijah and Isaiah. With a deep passion for children, health, and development, their purpose has always been to create a path for the younger generation to thrive in life. Damond is a subject matter expert in basketball training and development. He has provided both personalized one-on-one sessions for our son and group training sessions that emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and winning together. With Damond's focus on speed, footwork, defense, shooting, dribbling, attacking the basket, and post moves, our son has become a more efficient playmaker on the court. Tree’s conditioning and strength training program is tailored to individual goals, combining physical fitness with nutritional guidance to encourage healthy habits. The program has been so influential that it has enriched not only our children’s lives but our entire family’s—because once our kids became involved, we were inspired to join in together and work towards fitness goals as a family. In Gratitude, The Samdahl Family
I was overweight and wasn't sure what move to make. What i did was take the "T-180" 21-day Challenge. I saw so many results, that I stuck to it for another 21-days, then another.... I dropped 60 lbs thanks to that program and her methods. Everyone should have access to this information and process- it was easier than i thought, and I feel better than I have!! DL
Hello my name is Monique Slone and my daughter Bianca has been training with Damond Edwards since she was in 6th grade and is a senior in high school now. He is family to us and one of the best trainers we have had for our daughter. His love for the game and helping children goes way beyond the business of training. He truly cares about the children’s success. He is stern with his students and has a heart of gold. His work ethic is like no other and we feel because of Damond our daughter has learned how to navigate being an athlete through all the ups and downs, how to work hard for what you want and nothing but you and your dedication can get you where you want to be in life. Please feel free to reach out to me or my daughter if you have any questions regarding Damond. Thank you, Monique
"Élodie came back with so much confidence and a new love for hoop. Theresa's training was the best decision we made all year."
Anja, 2025
"The staff's dedication is incredible. They create such a magical and safe environment for the kids to just be kids. We've already signed up for the summer!"
Mateo, Parent 51
"My son, Leo, learned so much, from Damond about shooting. He can't stop talking about his improvement and the friends he made."
River, 48