buildingbridgesbball.com

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Inclusion, Compassion & Empathy

Welcome to buildingbridgesbball.com!

ABOUT TAMLYN YOSHIDA

Hi! My name is Tamlyn Yoshida, and I have been a Girl Scout since the first grade. I am a Senior Ambassador in Troop 881 in Orange County and a senior at Los Alamitos High School.

I have been a member of the Girls Varsity Basketball Team all four years of high school and served as a team captain for two years. Through basketball, I have been honored to earn League MVP, 1st Team All-League, Scholar Athlete, Griffins Award and All-County 3rd Team recognition.

Born in Newport Beach, California, at Hoag Hospital, I have lived in Orange County my entire life. My family has been my biggest supporters in all that I do. Along with my parents, Troy and Traci, I have one younger sister, Torri, who is also my best friend. My grandparents, Arthur and Roseann, live just a few houses down the street and my Auntie Sarah lives in the same community.

I began playing basketball in kindergarten and over the years, the game has taught me lessons far beyond the court, especially the importance of teamwork, leadership, empathy and connection. Creating "Building Bridges Through Basketball" has been my greatest accomplishment, as it reflects these values and my passion for creating inclusive spaces for all students.

My GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT

I created the "Building Bridges Through Basketball" program at Los Alamitos High School for my Girl Scout Gold Award Project by combining my lifelong love of basketball with my Girl Scout leadership experience to promote inclusion and belonging. I designed and led an inclusive basketball event that paired girls’ and boys’ basketball players with Life Skills students through adaptable dribbling, shooting and passing stations to meet each individual needs.

Through these buddy partnerships, student athletes developed patience, compassion and empathy, while Life Skills students gained confidence, meaningful participation and positive social connections in a supportive environment. Many athletes shared that the experience deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by students with special needs, resulting in lasting attitude changes and continued connections on campus.

The program broke down social barriers and fostered a strong sense of belonging for everyone involved. To further strengthen these relationships, the buddies were reunited at a basketball game, where they reconnected, showcased the skills they had learned and shared smiles and excitement together.

This program has made a lasting impact on my high school by connecting the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams with our Life Skills students. Through shared experiences on and off the court, students continue to build friendships, support one another and form meaningful buddy relationships. Watching these connections grow has reaffirmed my belief that sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion, understanding and community.

PERSONAL QUOTE FROM TAMLYN

“By using my love for basketball to create inclusion at my high school, I learned that leadership is about empathy, patience and bringing people together. Designing and leading this project helped me grow in confidence, communication and responsibility. Seeing the joy and connections formed between Life Skills students and basketball athletes showed me that sports can create meaningful change and truly make a difference in the world. "

discover our adaptable basketball stations

PASSING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

Our Passing Station is designed to adapt to each student's individual needs. We offer a variety of ball options, including regular basketballs, beach balls, balloons, soft balls and multiple ball sizes. This is very important, so every participant can feel comfortable, confident and supported while engaging in the activity.

DRIBBLING STATION

Our Dribbling Station is fully adaptable and uses the same variety of ball options available at our Passing Station to meet each student’s individual needs. Visual arrows are incorporated to help guide students in the right direction, providing structure, confidence and support throughout the activity.

SHOOTING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

SHOOTING STATION

Our Shooting Station is fully adaptable, using the same variety of ball options available at our Passing Station. Multiple basket and hoop options are provided to meet each student where they are, allowing every participant to experience success, confidence and enjoyment while shooting.

PASSING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

SHOOTING STATION

The use of different ball options helped our basketball players respond with patience, understanding and care to each individual need.

DRIBBLING STATION

Our basketball players approached each moment with flexibility and care, adapting as needed to ensure every participant felt supported.

SHOOTING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

Making a basket or getting the ball into a hoop was a meaningful accomplishment for our student's, building confidence and excitement along the way.

BASKETBALL GAME WITH OUR BUDDIES

BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM TOUR

Our Girls Varsity Basketball Team welcomed their Buddies with a special behind-the-scenes tour of their locker room, sharing where they prepare, store their gear and come together as a team before their game. It was a meaningful opportunity to open their space and make their Buddies feel included, valued, and part of the team experience.

SHOWING OFF THEIR BASKETBALL SKILLS

Our Buddies proudly took center court at halftime, showing off the basketball skills they learned during our event. Their confidence, smiles and excitement made it a truly special moment for everyone in attendance. It was a powerful reminder of the growth, inclusion and sense of belonging this program creates.

CHEER TUNNEL

With the crowd cheering, our basketball Buddies took turns running through the cheer tunnel together as their names were announced, creating a fun and powerful moment where each Buddy felt celebrated and seen.

POSTER AUTOGRAPHS

Our Girls Varsity Team shared a special moment with their Buddies by handing out team posters and signing them, creating meaningful keepsakes and memories they’ll cherish.

More than a game: player reflections

What is one thing you learned from this experience?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what was one moment during the event where you felt a connection with your buddy?

"Everyone is different and to be kind to everyone."

" I have learned that there is challenges in life and not everything is easy and being able to make new friends was very nice and was an awesome experience."

"I learned to always create a positive environment for everyone around me."

"That everyone needs patience and to be treated with kin

"Everyone is different and to be kind to everyone."

" I have learned that there is challenges in life and not everything is easy and being able to make new friends was very nice and was an awesome experience."

"I learned to always create a positive environment for everyone around me."

"That everyone needs patience and to be treated with kindness and how even if they need more attention or assistance, they are still people and everyone should respect that."

"That no one limited to anything."

"Each need is very different and requires a unique and creative alternative solution."

"I learned how to adapt my attitude and ways of teaching to those who I am around."

" To be patient"

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what was one moment during the event where you felt a connection with your buddy?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what was one moment during the event where you felt a connection with your buddy?

"When we were passing the ball, I got talk to my buddy about school."

"I felt like Torri, Lexi, Maya and I made a connection with Brooklyn since we were all having fun together passing the ball around."

"When we made a handshake after everything was done."

"When we were taking pictures and talking to them."

"Playing with the balloons."

"When I

"When we were passing the ball, I got talk to my buddy about school."

"I felt like Torri, Lexi, Maya and I made a connection with Brooklyn since we were all having fun together passing the ball around."

"When we made a handshake after everything was done."

"When we were taking pictures and talking to them."

"Playing with the balloons."

"When I taught them how to dribble between the legs."

"At the passing station, we made a big group out of multiple buddy pairs to play catch in a circle."

"I felt my connection with my buddy when we were shooting around and dribbling around. We were able to hold a conversation with each other while doing the activities, which was fun."

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do you think events like this should continue at our school?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

"I think they should because it gives people a chance to see what special needs students go through and need and see why we should always be patient and kind."

"Yes, it was a fun activity for us and the special needs students and I believe we can all create special bonds with each other.'

"Yes, because it gives people opportunities to meet

"I think they should because it gives people a chance to see what special needs students go through and need and see why we should always be patient and kind."

"Yes, it was a fun activity for us and the special needs students and I believe we can all create special bonds with each other.'

"Yes, because it gives people opportunities to meet people and give the kids a chance to try out a sport they have never done before."

"Yes, they're super positive and create a big impact for both people. While it's a great opportunity for the special needs kids, it's also a great opportunity for the players because it makes them realize how precious and privileged we truly are."

"Yes, because it was a great way to bring students together."

" Yes, it was fun to connect with students I normally wouldn’t and most of our buddies looked very happy and excited for the opportunity to play."

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what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

" I used a lot of encouragement "

" Tell them that it’s okay to make mistakes and comfort them and tell them to try again."

" I made sure they felt comfortable by talking to them and finding new ways to incorporate the activities so that it is interesting to them."

" I would tell her when to plug her ears for the buzzer and constantly encour

" I used a lot of encouragement "

" Tell them that it’s okay to make mistakes and comfort them and tell them to try again."

" I made sure they felt comfortable by talking to them and finding new ways to incorporate the activities so that it is interesting to them."

" I would tell her when to plug her ears for the buzzer and constantly encourage her."

"Yes, because it was a great way to bring students together."

" I would give them options to choose from and help create a positive environment for them to have fun in."

"I was cheering him on and asking him questions and trying to keep him engaged even if he didn’t talk."

" I was always encouraging them to try the new drills and would give hi-fives."

" Give them multiple choice or yes/no questions so it wasn’t as overwhelming for them to pick which ball they wanted to use or how they wanted to do the activity. "

" I just let them have fun and I had fun with them."

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a los al community that made a difference

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

Thank you to Coach Maya for your constant support, guidance and belief in me. Your encouragement, leadership and trust have pushed me to grow not only as a basketball player, but as a leader and person. The lessons you’ve taught me about teamwork, resilience and helping others, extend far beyond the court and I am so grateful for the example you set every day for me.

@losal.girls.basketball

ms. mandy hart

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

Thank you to our Los Alamitos High School Adaptive PE teacher, Ms. Hart. I am deeply grateful for the support, time and guidance you shared with me throughout my project.

mrs. cara vienna

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

mrs. cara vienna

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Vienna, Assistant Principal of Special Education & Intervention at Los Alamitos High School, for your support, guidance and the time she so generously gave to ensure our players and their Buddies continue to be connected through future events. Your commitment and heart are making a lasting impact and we are truly grateful.

Mr. Joey nawa

MRs. lauren lavache

mrs. cara vienna

Thank you to Mr. Joey Nawa, Occupational Therapist, for generously volunteering your time to guide, redirect and support our Life Skills students and athletes throughout the basketball stations. With your professional experience, you helped adapt activities, encourage motor skill development and provide individualized support to ensure each participant felt successful and confident. Your guidance created a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved and we are truly grateful for your compassion and impact.

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mr. chris forehan

MRs. lauren lavache

Thank you to Mr. Forehan, Los Alamitos Board of Education Member, for being such a tremendous source of support. Your encouragement has meant more than words can express. I am deeply grateful for your support in sharing information about my program with the Board. It's truly appreciated.

MRs. lauren lavache

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. LaVache, our ASB Coordinator, for generously taking the time to meet with me and ensuring the facility, date and time were secured to make this event possible. Lots of emails and meetings, but we did it!

mr. nathan berger

the nakamura family

mr. nathan berger

Thank you to our Los Alamitos High School Athletics Director and Boys Varsity Coach for taking the time to meet with me, allowing me to share my project and for your support throughout the process. I am truly grateful.

@losalhoops

mr. blake hyepoCk

the nakamura family

mr. nathan berger

Thank you to our Los Alamitos High School Assistant Principal, Mr. Blake Hyepok, for taking the time to meet with me, giving me the opportunity to share my project and for your support throughout the process.

Los Al Athletics Website

the nakamura family

A heartfelt thank you to the Nakamura family and their son, Austin, for their incredible support, guidance and openness. Spending time with Austin gave me a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges families navigate every day and it helped shaped my perspective and this project. I am truly grateful for the trust, insight and kindness you shared with me.

the kyriakos family

mr. ryan furuya, RAYNGRAPHICS

the nakamura family

A special thank you to the Kyriakos family, Chris and my teammate and his sister, Lexi, for walking alongside me throughout this journey. Your willingness to share your family’s story, experiences and daily realities gave me meaningful insight into the world of special needs families. Hearing your stories and learning from all of you helped shape my understanding, strengthened this project and reminded me why creating connection and inclusion matters so deeply. I am incredibly thankful for your generosity, honesty and support.

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mr. ryan furuya, RAYNGRAPHICS

Thank you to Mr. Ryan Furuya, our incredible photographer, for generously setting up a photobooth that allowed everyone to capture and take home a special photo with their Buddy. Your time, support & generosity helped create lasting memories filled with smiles that will be cherished long after the event. We are truly grateful for your support.

@rayngraphicsandphotowerks

Welcome to buildingbridgesbball.com!

ABOUT TAMLYN YOSHIDA

My GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT

PERSONAL QUOTE FROM TAMLYN

discover our adaptable basketball stations

PASSING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

SHOOTING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

SHOOTING STATION

PASSING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

SHOOTING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

SHOOTING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

DRIBBLING STATION

FRIENDSHIPS & CONNECTIONS

photobooth pictures

Where Connection Meets the Court: Our First Building Bridges Through Basketball Event

BASKETBALL GAME WITH OUR BUDDIES

BASKETBALL LOCKER ROOM TOUR

SHOWING OFF THEIR BASKETBALL SKILLS

CHEER TUNNEL

POSTER AUTOGRAPHS

More than a game: player reflections

What is one thing you learned from this experience?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what was one moment during the event where you felt a connection with your buddy?

what was one moment during the event where you felt a connection with your buddy?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what was one moment during the event where you felt a connection with your buddy?

do you think events like this should continue at our school?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

what strategies did you use to help your buddy succeed at the basketball stations?

Smiles, Connection and Teamwork: Our Basketball Event

a los al community that made a difference

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

ms. mandy hart

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

mrs. cara vienna

COACH MAYA DE ANDA

mrs. cara vienna

Mr. Joey nawa

MRs. lauren lavache

mrs. cara vienna

mr. chris forehan

MRs. lauren lavache

MRs. lauren lavache

MRs. lauren lavache

MRs. lauren lavache

MRs. lauren lavache

mr. nathan berger

the nakamura family

mr. nathan berger

mr. blake hyepoCk

the nakamura family

mr. nathan berger

the nakamura family

the nakamura family

the nakamura family

the kyriakos family

mr. ryan furuya, RAYNGRAPHICS

the nakamura family

mr. ryan furuya, RAYNGRAPHICS

mr. ryan furuya, RAYNGRAPHICS

mr. ryan furuya, RAYNGRAPHICS

PLEASE CONTACT US