Seashore Leadership Academy Standout Student-Athletes
Celebrating student-athletes at SLA
Seashore Leadership Academy (SLA) proudly celebrates the achievements of its student-athletes, recognizing athletics as a pathway for building discipline, confidence, leadership, and resilience. Junior Kenai Austin and sophomore Don’Taye T. exemplify these on the court and in the classroom.
Kenai Austin earns MVP honors
Wearing number 0, Austin was named MVP of the 31st Annual Battle by the Bay Tournament, a historic rivalry between Pleasantville High School and Atlantic City High School that holds deep meaning for the community.
The game featured a unique SLA connection, with Mr. Frank Turner, SLA’s physical education teacher, serving as head basketball coach for Pleasantville High School, and Mr. Wayne Nelson, SLA’s credit recovery coordinator, leading Atlantic City High School. Atlantic City earned a 78–73 victory, with Austin delivering a dominant performance of 25 points and 15 rebounds.
Don’Taye T. shines in basketball and football
Don’Taye, wearing number 1, continues to stand out as a dual-sport athlete. He has found success as a guard on the basketball team and a wide receiver on the football team. He leads the Vikings basketball team with 20 points per game and is recognized as one of South Jersey’s top football recruits. In addition, he has already received Division I scholarship offers from Temple University and Syracuse University.
Leadership and resilience beyond the scoreboard
“Kenai and Don’Taye exemplify our core values by not allowing mistakes from the past to impact their future,” said SLA Executive Director Ray Strickland. “They are not only standout athletes, but young men who show genuine love and respect for the educators who support them daily.”
A standard set by former SLA athlete Ice Cup
Their success reflects SLA’s intentional approach to developing student-athletes. Strickland pointed to Sah’Nye Degraffenreidt, known as Ice Cup, a former SLA student now playing wide receiver for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, as an example.
“Ice Cup set the standard,” Strickland said. “Kenai and Don’Taye saw the work he put in, how it helped him graduate a semester early and enter college ahead of schedule. That showed them their dreams could become reality.”
Supporting academics while competing at a high level
Balancing academics with high-level athletics is a priority at SLA. To support his, students are provided schedules that allow them to focus on core classes during the day while completing additional coursework around practices and competitions.
“We live by a saying here: ‘An SLA student will always carry themselves with respect and integrity,’” Strickland said. “Our students understand that leadership is reflected in how you behave in school, in the community, and even in what you post on social media.”
Preparing student-athletes for NCAA opportunities
SLA also prepares student-athletes for opportunities beyond high school. This is accomplished by ensuring all coursework aligns with NCAA Clearinghouse requirements. Also, by offering daily mentorship from a staff rich in collegiate and professional athletic experience.
“We have 10 educators who’ve played at the college and professional levels across multiple sports,” Strickland said. “That experience allows our students to ask questions, get honest guidance, and learn the process in real time.”
A mission rooted in mentorship and belief
Ultimately, he said, the message behind Don’Taye and Austin’s stories is simple and deeply rooted in SLA’s mission.
“Our job is to prepare our scholars for life’s challenges,” he said. “We love all of our students, and we refuse to give up on anyone.”
