Crossover Sports Association

CROSSOVER LIONS SPORTS

We are committed to producing athletes that excel both on and off the field.

by Trinity Gray

Pictured above: Trinity with Olympian John Carlos and fellow Junior Olympian Jason Gray. Training with CSA

I was introduced to Crossover Sports through the Track and Field program in 2014 when I was 7 years old. My parents, Jason, and Tomika Gray volunteered to help coach the track team with other volunteer coaches, and they have continued to coach all these years.

The Crossover Sports program has given me opportunities to travel the U.S., to make new friends, and to meet Olympians! Through the support of the community and sponsors, our team has traveled to California, Florida, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, and North Carolina. I have been able to meet former Olympians: Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Carl Lewis, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, and Vashti Cunningham.

Trinity with her brother, Jason, during her first track season.

I love having the opportunity to train with other athletes around Tulsa. -Trinity G.

Crossover connects our community by offering a variety of sports to families. Our volunteer coaches push athletes to be their best on and off the field. Our coaches reward all A and A and B honor roll athletes with a certificate signed by all of the coaches. Every week the coaches reward the most hardworking and dedicated athlete. The “athlete of the week” award drives us to want to be the best. We work hard to be our best not just because of the reward, but we strive to prove to our coaches that we want to win even in practice.

At the end of the track season, athletes have the opportunity to compete at the USATF Oklahoma State Championship, Regional Junior Olympics, and National Junior Olympics. Being able to participate in the Junior Olympics is a huge accomplishment! I have been the Region 9 Champion in the pentathlon and have qualified for the National Junior Olympics 5 times.

I love having the opportunity to train with other athletes around Tulsa, but my favorite part of Summer track is that I get to compete with my little brother Jason Gray. He is an awesome distance runner and very competitive. He has competed at nationals 3 years.

Being a Crossover Lion has taught me to never give up. Our coaches and team managers are always there to support our team win or lose. At the end of practice, we have our “Lions’ Circle.” Our coaches and managers tell us how we did in practice and what we need to work on. A coach picks an athlete to pray before we leave. I enjoy the Lions’ Circle because it gives me a moment to reflect on my performance.

I would like to thank all of the coaches, managers and sponsors that have supported the Crossover Lions’ Track Team. Your commitment to our growth means a lot and makes a big difference!

Trinity Gray is a decorated track and soccer student-athlete. She is a hard-worker who pursues excellence not only on the field, but also in the classroom. As a soon-to-be Freshman, she has been in advanced placement classes since she was in the 5th grade, and she will be an exceptional Chemical Engineer who truly works at everything as working unto the Lord. Her family is the core of the Track and Field program for the Crossover Lions, and she is a huge part of why Crossover has expanded to include Soccer!

To learn more about Crossover Sports Association, please go to www.crossoverlions.org.

This article was written for the Spring/Summer 2020 Edition.