Be The Change You Want To See
DE'MARIA WALTERS
Executive Director
De’Maria Walters (A.K.A Coach D) is a natural born athlete. Florida born, Oklahoma breed this Heritage Hall alumni has been excelling since a young age. In high school he played football, baseball, golf, basketball and ran track. As a three year football starter he became a high school state champion. De’Maria then went to college in Iowa on a full ride football scholarship. He later transferred to The Prestigious Langston University where he started at Corner back and helped the Mighty Lions become conference champions. After one season De’Maria finished his final three years of college at one of the top liberal arts Catholic Institutions in the Midwest, Benedictine College. Benedictine College helped De’Maria grow into the man he needed to be by getting out of his shell and finding his purpose. During his sophomore year he co-founded an organization on campus called “Black Student Union,” an Organization that gave the small percentage of blacks on campus a voice and a purpose. While also being a starter the entire time at Benedictine De’Maria excelled off the field as well, teaching at-risk youth in inner city Boston, helping bridge the gap between the community and being honored as one of the students of the year by his college.
Starting his senior year he was the FIRST student ever to speak at the opening school convocation. While figuring out his purpose off the field De’Maria then helped his college go to their first EVER national championship. Ending his college career De’Maria chose to sign his first professional contract to go play in Istanbul, Turkey where he led the country in interceptions and return yards for a season while also contributing at wide receiver. De’Maria feels as if his purpose is to help others, “I just want to be the person I wanted to see growing up,” which is why this non-profit was created.
MICHAEL T. THOMAS
Assistant Director
Michael T. Thomas (A.K.A Mikey) is an all around athlete. From a young age Michael excelled in track, basketball, and football. During his time in high school, Michael became a state champion in track and basketball. While his team won the championship in track, Michael also became a state champion in all of his individual events. Michael was a 4 year starter for the football program were he played QB,WR,DB, and was a return specialist. Michael’s knowledge for the game that has always been close to his heart has always been above average, which led to him receiving a full ride football scholarship to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, which is where he played collegiate football. Following college, Michael is currently coaching for the Oklahoma City Hoyas, 10U team, which has been on an uprise since the Organization was founded a few years back. In Michael’s future endeavors, he aspires to coach youth and pass down the knowledge and respect of the game to others.
TY-JUAN TURNER
Head of Athletic Operations
Michael T. Thomas (A.K.A Mikey) is an all around athlete. From a young age Michael excelled in track, basketball, and football. During his time in high school, Michael became a state champion in track and basketball. While his team won the championship in track, Michael also became a state champion in all of his individual events. Michael was a 4 year starter for the football program were he played QB,WR,DB, and was a return specialist. Michael’s knowledge for the game that has always been close to his heart has always been above average, which led to him receiving a full ride football scholarship to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, which is where he played collegiate football. Following college, Michael is currently coaching for the Oklahoma City Hoyas, 10U team, which has been on an uprise since the Organization was founded a few years back. In Michael’s future endeavors, he aspires to coach youth and pass down the knowledge and respect of the game to others.
T'ONA EDWARDS
Head of Media Relations
Jared Oliver Evan Stewart is Oklahoma born and raised; standing 6’8 he was always a force to be reckoned with. Stew attended Heritage Hall from middle school all the way through high school. It was there he helped lead the chargers to their third state championship. After high school he attended OD Prep Academy, a fifth year school for students, where he was chosen to play in the All-American game along side Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley. He then attended Langston University where he was an offensive lineman. While at Langston University Stew injured his knee, which lead to him finding a new passion of training. While battling through the healing process of his injury Jared fell into depression and found that working out was his own way of getting out of it so training became his newfound love. “Following my injury I got up to 475 pounds and after seeing that number it terrified me so I did whatever I could to go in the opposite direction. In the year I was able to lose over 160 pounds and was able to find a new career and a new love in the process.” Jared can be found training at various gyms throughout the metro.