The KIPP Bold City Greyhounds take to the field for their first season, a first in their brand new state of the art facility. The facility is equipped with a turf field, new stands, practice equipment, track, and scoreboard. It was a joint effort by The Jaguars Foundation, Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation, Carlton Construction and LISC Jacksonville. The former site of the Jacksonville Kennel Club, will now house the KIPP Bold City Greyhounds.
KIPP is a non-profit network of college-preparatory public charter schools educating elementary, middle, and high school students. They have 255 schools across the United States, including Jacksonville. As many parents transition their kids from the state public school system, Charter schools have made major investments into athletics to provide more diverse extracurricular activities for students.
With a “If you build it, they will come” approach, the coaches at KIPP hope that parents and students in West Jacksonville and other areas will be attracted not just to the new facilities, but to the new program.
Head Coach D’Angelo Jordan leads the new upstart Greyhounds complete with a staff of former players and experienced coaches. Jordan played at Ribault, Raines, then went on to play football at the University of the Cumberlands. He has coached at the high school and college levels before accepting the position at KIPP.
Jai Williams (Co-Offensive Coordinator/ Wide Receivers) was a star wide receiver at Fletcher who then went on to play college football at Coastal Carolina. Williams knows what it takes to be an elite wide receiver in high school, and can coach wide receivers from a personal experience. He knows what it takes to get to the next level.
Get to know #TealTeam18!
— Coastal Football Recruiting (@BallAtTheBeach) December 23, 2017
Jai Williams | WR | Fletcher HS, FL | @anewbeginning_6
☑️ Averaged 21.3 yards per reception as a senior
☑️ #22 on the list of 2018 top recruits by the Jacksonville Times-Union#BallAtTheBeach #BAM #LeaveYourLegacy 🏈🌴🌊 pic.twitter.com/Z1ZaMtUGat
Raynell Killian (Defensive Coordinator/ Safeties) was a headliner on the field for the 2017 state champion Raines Vikings. Killian played everything including running back and defense. He would also go on to play college football, winning a national championship with Valdosta State in 2018. Winning is something Killian is no stranger to, and students will get a healthy dose of championship attitude and motivation from him.
BIG Raynell Killian hit forces 4th down for Cocoa! Raines offense gets ready to take the field! RAINES LEADS COCOA 6-0 2ND 9:17 pic.twitter.com/KhUIIuB003
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) December 8, 2017
The KIPP staff includes:
Danny Jackson | Co-Defensive Coordinator + Linebackers
Philip Prescod | Special Teams Coordinator + Floater
Daniel Jordan IV | Offensive Line
Wayne Washington | Running Backs
Slayter Taylor | Cornerbacks
Torrey White | Defensive Line
Daniel Jordan III | Offensive Analyst
On the field for spring football, KIPP had a strong showing initially as many students were eager to be apart of something new. Yet with all football experiences, a new idea must be backed by commitment and hard work. “Attrition” is how Coach Jordan describes it, and it set in for many new potential players at the school. Though some student athletes did not stay for the entire spring campaign, there were several players who stood bold throughout. Looking to build a bold program at Bold City.
Players like Maallik Belford (WR/S) who possesses lots of quickness and athleticism to get open against defenders. He also possesses quick change of direction skills to lock down receivers on defense. A multi-sport athlete, Belford is also a standout basketball player as well.
Joel Hunt is an all around athlete that will provide explosiveness to the Greyhound offense, and aggressiveness to their defense. The multi-sport player also excels in basketball, which gives him an advantage against many opponents with his leaping ability.
Quarterback Mikell Reddick previously played for NFEI and Raines, brings experience and physical presence to the team. The 6’2, 185 pound rising senior looks to have a great year under center, and potentially in the secondary as well. He looks to propel his name into the conversation as one of the best players in Northeast Florida.
There are many other players that loot to play a pivotal role in the success of the team. There is potential at quarterback, and many skill positions with several other players. However, the first year program still needs bodies. Linemen on both sides of the ball and other skill positions will benefit the team greatly.
2024 Beach Day | Team One, camaraderie is built in time and “ATTENTION” to detail. We are building on 1000% for 3–6 seconds every play. It’s show time, go time, “Let’s Go Hounds”! #ICanIWill #SKOHOUNDS pic.twitter.com/sgwm6WGUQ4
— Coach Jordan (@coachdlojordan) June 21, 2024
Coach Jordan and his staff have put together a professional practice and work-out plan, one of the best I’ve seen in the spring. Structure is very important when starting a program. The team also works hard, as they’ve done beach workouts and individual training as well.
If you’re a parent looking to move your child to a new program for a fresh start, with an opportunity to play right away, then KIPP Bold City might be that place for you. The team already has social media accounts, financial support, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Said head coach D’Angelo Jordan, “we’re building up the players we have, and bringing along new players who come; we’re looking to build something special here at KIPP Bold City”.
