Through years of cheering from the sidelines, tying ponytails, learning what "offside" means, and yes, even the occasional emergency room visit, I've learned what makes a team thrive: a great coach, the right balance of fun and discipline, consistent practice, supportive team dynamics—and something that's too often dismissed: presentation. Because when a team looks unified and proud, they play with pride. When they're treated with dignity, they grow into it.
So when my daughters entered Beverly Hills High School, I was thrilled they'd be continuing their athletic journey. That excitement didn't last. The girls' locker room was dark, neglected, and outdated—like a forgotten basement from decades ago. The showers looked more like punishment than a place for student-athletes. When I voiced concern to the head of athletics, I was met with a laugh and a casual, "It's in the construction plans." That was four years ago. My daughter has since graduated, and only now is work beginning.
Uniforms? Another story entirely. Each team handled it differently, and most relied on recycled gear. Some uniforms were incomplete, others clearly worn for years. I'll never forget a tennis match where our students showed up in mismatched skirts, thin cotton t-shirts, and random socks. The other school's team arrived in sleek, matching athletic gear, complete with branded bags and jackets. As a parent, I was embarrassed. And not because of fashion—but because of what the contrast revealed: our kids weren't being prioritized.
That's why the recent announcement of a partnership between BHUSD and Nike, through BSN Sports, is more than a new uniform contract. It's a long-overdue statement of respect.
Both of my daughters have proudly worn the orange and white of Beverly Hills High athletics. One is now an alum; the other is a junior. They've trained on cracked courts, run drills in overcrowded fields, and squeezed into gear that didn't fit, often weeks into the season. And yet, they showed up. They carried themselves with pride, even when the equipment and conditions didn't reflect it.
This partnership is about more than just gear. It's an investment in student identity, morale, and unity. Working with a brand like Nike streamlines ordering, boosts school spirit, and—most importantly—tells our athletes:
"We see you. You matter." When our kids put on uniforms that were thoughtfully designed for them—not handed down from four years ago—they feel like part of something bigger. They feel worthy.Yes, this partnership may also bring budget stability, and I'm confident our school board will work to make it financially responsible. But if you ask most parents, we'll tell you: we'd rather spend a little more and stop sending our kids out in the same faded uniforms, year after year. We've been asking for this change for a long time.
To be honest, I don't even have skin in the game right now. My youngest won't enter the high school for another four years. But I applaud the three board members who are addressing issues with action—Russell Stuart, Judy Manouchehri, and Sigalie Sabag—for stepping up—finally—for our student-athletes. I just wish it had happened sooner.
Of course, this is not a magic fix. The locker rooms still need work. The fields still need attention. Not every piece of the contract is perfect. But what matters is this: someone finally listened. And then acted.
Our kids already give everything they have—on the track, in the gym, and in the pool. It's about time we gave something back: pride in what they wear, and the confidence of knowing their school believes they're worth it.
This isn't just a Nike deal. It's a step forward. For every student who kept showing up, despite the obstacles. For every parent who sat on those weathered bleachers, wondering if anyone else saw how hard these kids worked.
And to those who don't have children in our athletic programs, or who might question the importance of this step—I hope you see it now. This is about more than uniforms. It's about dignity. It's about building strong kids in a world that demands it.
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