It was a bittersweet day as we wished farewell to Coach Jerome Haywood. Coach Jerome has been an integral part of our staff over the past 10 years, first working in our Residential Treatment Program to then our Academy as Athletic Director, and coaching our Academy sports teams to 12 championship victories.
Coach Jerome was not only an inspiring coach to our youth, but a mentor to staff and students, a friend, a leader, and an advocate for our students who always highlighted the mantra, “Teamwork is Dreamwork.”
In celebration of his amazing impact and contributions to the Center, our Academy staff and students surprised Coach Jerome with a secret pep rally where we retired his number, and honored him with a plaque and presents. Plus, a special basketball tournament took place this afternoon to further honor Coach Jerome.
Although we will miss Coach Jerome, we wish him the very best onto his next journey in joining the football staff at San Diego State University Athletics!