Featured in: The San Mateo Daily Journal
Building bodies, spirits and minds
KO Bros Sports Academy takes a holistic approach to growth
By Ashley Strain
September 2nd, 2025
“On a field tucked behind St. Francis of Assisi Church in East Palo Alto, the hum of agility drills mixes with quiet moments of prayer and reflection.
And that is by design.
KO Bros. Sports Academy is a faith-based program for student-athletes to divide their days between athletic training, academic support and spiritual growth — sometimes all at once.
Prayer and conditioning on the field begin the mornings, followed by tutoring in subjects like math and English inside a dedicated learning center on the church grounds. Students then share a nutritious, protein-rich home-cooked brunch designed to teach healthy eating habits before moving into workshops that build life skills such as public speaking, professional etiquette and teamwork through play. Prayer and reflection are woven throughout the day, from arrival to mealtimes...”