Emerson Men’s Basketball ‘Teams’ up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay to Mentor Kids in Boston.

Jonathan Goldberg was always told that being successful in sports could directly translate to success in life. He was told that concepts like teamwork, commitment and leadership were essential, on and off the court. Now, having taken these lessons to heart, Goldberg is Captain of the Emerson Basketball team, leading his fellow teammates in a new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay mentoring kids in the Boston community.

“I believe being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay will only help our team grow,” said Goldberg . “As a Captain, this is what I strive for, to help other people become better leaders and be the best that they can be.”

Under the leadership of Head Coach Jim O’Brien, Goldberg rounded up 4 fellow teammates–Kirby Johnston, Michael Corcoran, Eli Kell-Abrams, and Kyle Edwards–to mentor kids at the Josiah Quincy School, a Boston Public school in Chinatown where the majority of students are English language learners and are from low income households. The partnership will give the children the opportunity to bond with student-athletes and aspires to teach them the same life skills Goldberg and his teammates find so valuable.

“We are thrilled about the new partnership between the Emerson basketball team and Josiah Quincy Elementary School,” says Catherine Riede, M.Ed City Connects Student Support Coordinator for the Josiah Quincy Elementary School. “It really builds the students’ self-esteem to have an adult role model who volunteers to spend one-on-one time with them.”

Although the program will undoubtedly impact the children, Coach O’Brien sees the partnership as a way for the team and players to better themselves.

“Working as a unit is extremely powerful and rewarding and our affiliation with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay gives our guys yet another chance to attempt to arrive at a common goal together while being able to give back to those less fortunate” says Coach O’Brien. “I hope that the hard work, selflessness, teamwork, and caring for others attitude that our players learn from being part of a team can and will get passed on to these young students.”

“There is amazing potential in the partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay and Emerson Basketball,” added Goldberg. “My hope is that this program will continue through future teams not just at Emerson, but across Massachusetts Bay.”