The Gloves Come Off, but the Work Continues - Manny's Next Chapter
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
On Sunday, May 19, 2025, the DSAL community celebrated a powerful and deeply meaningful milestone: Coach Mariano Villalon - known to us all as Coach Manny - graduated from California State University East Bay with Cum Laude honors, earning his Master’s in Social Work with a remarkable 3.95 GPA.
What makes this achievement truly extraordinary is what Manny accomplished along the way. In just two years, he balanced the demands of graduate school, a full-time role as DSAL’s Head Boxing Coach, and an intensive internship with Contra Costa County’s Child Protective Services. Every late night, every early morning, and every sacrifice was made for the young people and families he has committed his life to serving.
Since joining DSAL Boxing in 2015, Coach Manny has been a mentor, helping to guide and shape confident, grounded young people ready to face the world. Under his leadership, the boxing program flourished, hosting tournaments, guiding championship teams, and supporting the community with after-hours fitness programs that connected adults through dedication, fitness, and belonging. But beyond any boxing title or event, Coach Manny’s greatest victories have been helping young people believe in themselves, giving structure to those who lacked it, and lifting people up when they needed it most.
Now, with his education in place, Coach Manny is stepping onto the newest part of his path - to walk alongside families, support children through crisis, and continue to strengthen communities from the inside out - this time, with the gloves off.
This is a heavy loss for our gym, but a profound gain for the broader community, and we couldn't be prouder. Manny isn't leaving our program behind - he’s launching from it, aiming for great heights, with a legacy of young individuals who are better off having known and learned from him.
This is captured in the words of one of the young lives he’s touched:
“Mariano Villalon has been an incredible pillar in my life as well as a genuine father figure. He's taught me various skills that go far beyond simple self-defense, and much of my moral code stems from Manny leading by example.
There are so few of us who are able to navigate this world while also staying true to who we are. Manny is one of those people. No matter the time or place, he is always unapologetically himself and I admire that. This trait is something I wish was more present in all men and women. I hope I can live even half as honestly as Manny does, with my heart on my sleeves.
I wish him the best in this new chapter of his life and hope he never forgets the students that he helped raise into adults. We won't forget him.”
We won’t forget him either. So much of what DSAL is, is because of strong and passionate individuals like Manny, who dedicate their lives to giving back to their community, and lifting up others.
Thank you, and congratulations on your accomplishments Coach Manny. You’ve helped generations grow strong and capable, and the work isn't over. May your fights for others win every round.
We are endlessly proud of you.
Boxing Participant Fernando is DSAL's Athlete of the Month
Fernando has been a dedicated member of our program for a year and a half, and in that time, he’s become a true example of what commitment and growth look like.
His passion for learning goes beyond physical training - his passion for learning leads to deep conversations with coaches, and he is always looking for ways to push himself both mentally and physically.
Since joining, Fernando has noticed real changes in himself. He is stronger, more disciplined, and better at managing his time. Procrastination no longer holds him back, and his school attendance and focus have improved.
He also sees the bigger picture - how programs like this make the community safer, not just by keeping young people active and engaged, but by creating trusted relationships.
“People in the neighborhood feel safe asking the coaches for help.” he shares. “This gives young people something constructive to do, so they’re less likely to be out there falling into bad habits or ending up in dangerous situations.”
Fernando is a reminder that when young people are given the right tools, support, and environment, they rise. And in rising, the whole community is lifted up with them.
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