Our Mission
Cultivating leadership, accountability, and deep connections in our community.
Your Guides on the Trail
SHYSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Damond Edwards, Executive Director
Damond Edwards is the Executive Director of the Southern Humboldt Youth Sports Association (SHYSA) and the lead architect of the Southern Humboldt Community Sports & Wellness Facility. A Sacramento State Alum, team captain and Hall of Fame inductee, Damond went on to play professionally in the NBA Development League, IBL, IBA, ABA, and internationally in Serbia, Montenegro, and Mexico. He is most known worldwide as a premier Showman with the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters.
After retiring from professional play, Damond coached youth camps across the country and has helped more than 200 athletes earn full‑ride college scholarships. Under the tutelage of Guss Armstead of "To the Hoop", Damond has trained alongside elite NBA and WNBA players and has become a talented skill trainer.
Through his leadership in national AAU programs and his time spent as President of Policy Council for the Auburn Chapter of California Head Start, he has spent his life working towards the betterment of others.
Today, he brings his global basketball experience and passion for youth development to Southern Humboldt, working to build safe, year‑round spaces where young people, families, and Elders can thrive.
Education: B.A. Organizational Communication, Minor in Business Marketing — CSU Sacramento
April Newlander,
Compliance and Governance Lead
April Newlander brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to her work in environmental conservation, community development, and youth athletics. She currently serves as Executive Director of Sanctuary Forest, where she oversees organizational strategy, financial management, multimillion‑dollar grants, and a team of 10 staff members. April holds a Master’s Degree in Biology from CSU Fullerton and a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University.
In Southern Humboldt, April is deeply involved in youth sports. She serves as President of the Southern Humboldt Youth Basketball League, sits on the Southern Humboldt Soccer Committee, and has secured funding from regional grantmakers including the Humboldt Area Foundation Soccer Fund. Her work has strengthened local youth programs and expanded access to healthy, enriching activities for rural families.
At SHYSA, April plays a key role in community partnerships and outreach — helping build strong relationships, secure resources, and ensure the new Southern Humboldt Community Sports & Wellness Facility reflects the needs and voices of the community it serves.
Dusty Hughson,
Head of Operations/Facilities
Dusty Hughston serves as SHYSA’s Operations & Facilities Lead, overseeing site planning, land coordination, and the operational framework for the Southern Humboldt Community Sports & Wellness Facility. With deep roots in Southern Humboldt and decades of experience supporting youth programs, Dusty brings a steady, community‑grounded approach to the project.
Theresa Campbell,
Head of Programs
Theresa has spent her career helping young people build confidence, resilience, and academic success through supportive programming and strong school‑community partnerships.
Theresa Campbell is an experienced educator, wellness leader, and program developer with a long history of serving youth, families, and organizations across California. Her background includes roles with the California Department of Forestry, Foot Locker corporate operations, California Family Fitness, T180 Wellness, and TND Promotions.
She has managed large teams, led corporate training programs, developed marketing strategies, coordinated national travel for youth athletes, and helped build pathways for young players to reach college opportunities. Theresa has also trained and mentored professional and Division I athletes, created high‑performing fitness teams, and designed successful sports‑performance programs.
At SHYSA, Theresa brings her expertise in youth support, program development, and community engagement to help build strong, accessible, and culturally grounded programs for Southern Humboldt youth and families.
Certificates: NASM Master Trainer CPT, Nasm Behavior Specialist, Nasm Certified Nutrition Coach, Nasm Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, Nasm Certified Preformance Specialist, Girls Gone Strong Certified Menopause Coach, ISSA Certificed Personal Trainer, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer, Russian Kettlebell Certified Trainer, Gravity Certified Trainer, Gravity Group Fitness Certified, AFAA Senior Stretch and Mobility Certified, Fit Tour Yoga I trainer, Fit Tour Yoga II trainer, Foam Rolling Specialist Trainer, Corrective Foam Rollling Specialist Trainer
United as one
SHYSA exists to create safe, year‑round opportunities for Southern Humboldt youth to grow through sports, wellness, culture, and community connection. Our mission is to ensure every young person — regardless of background, income, or geography — has access to spaces that support their health, confidence, and long‑term success.
Our vision is a stronger, healthier Southern Humboldt where youth, families, and Elders have a shared home for movement, learning, and cultural celebration. Through our partnership with the Eel River Wailaki Tribe, we envision a facility that honors local history, uplifts community identity, and serves as a multi‑generational hub for belonging.
We are guided by values of equity, cultural respect, youth empowerment, community wellness, and shared responsibility. These values shape every program we build, every partnership we form, and every step we take toward completing the Southern Humboldt Community Sports & Wellness Facility — a place designed to serve our community for generations.