Coach Bahati - From DSAL Boxer to Boxing Program Coordinator
Coach Bahati knows firsthand what it means to grow up in a DSAL program. His journey began at just thirteen years old, when he first joined DSAL Boxing Academy as a young participant.
Over the years, his connection to the program grew into a role as a boxing coach, and now, fourteen years after he first stepped through the gym doors, he has been promoted to DSAL’s Boxing Program Coordinator. Drawing on his experience as both a former participant and a coach, Bahati is ready to help guide the program into its next chapter.
His promotion brings an exciting opportunity to build on that experience, strengthen connections across DSAL, and create more opportunities for the young people who walk through the gym doors today. As Boxing Program Coordinator, Bahati is looking forward to gaining a broader perspective on how the program operates and connecting with the people who help support boxing and link it with DSAL’s broader community outreach efforts.
And he’s not afraid to dream big. He hopes to one day see DSAL Boxing Academy grow beyond its current Hayward location, bringing free boxing instruction and its benefits to more young people across the Bay Area and beyond. He also sees potential for a pathways program that could connect young adults developing their skills at DSAL with future opportunities through trade programs and vocational schools.
For Bahati, personal growth is about more than athletic ability. He believes everyone makes mistakes, and that learning from those experiences and continuing to improve are part of what makes us human.
“Every day is an opportunity to show the best side of ourselves. Our willingness to connect with others feeds that ‘better’ side.”
That philosophy speaks to the value of a program where young people can work toward goals, learn from challenges, and build positive relationships with the people around them.
And there’s even more to Bahati - he’s also an artist and a cinema buff who enjoys sharing his drawings and movie interests with his students. When he’s not busy instructing boxers, you might even find him teaching a drawing lesson at the gym.
For anyone interested in joining DSAL Boxing Academy, Bahati wants them to know that success isn’t just about talent or being physically gifted. Boxing is a skill that can be developed through practice, patience, and a willingness to keep learning.
“Anyone can do it and become amazing at it. Give yourself time and a little trust. You can do it too.”
As Bahati takes on his new role, he brings years of experience in the gym and a personal understanding of the opportunities DSAL can offer. His vision is to reach more young people, help them discover their potential, and open doors to opportunities both inside and outside the ring.
Congratulations to Coach Bahati on his new role!
We’re excited to see how his experience and ideas help shape the future of DSAL Boxing Academy.