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Our History

SoulPhamm was established as a nonprofit organization in New Jersey on June 25, 2021, and was founded by Luis ("Coach Lou") Herrera. Our mission centers on providing young people with comprehensive training in various sports and performing arts, along with opportunities to showcase their talents through competitions and performances.

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We believe in developing well-rounded scholar-athletes by complementing athletic and artistic training with:

  • College and career preparation

  • Mentoring relationships

  • Essential life skills development

  • Community service opportunities

  • Academic enrichment and support

 

Though Coach Lou passed away unexpectedly in January 2021, SoulPhamm was incorporated and launched during his birthday weekend and is currently led by his widow, Dr. Leisa Herrera (Mz. Doc). To honor his life and legacy, we celebrate our founding and our students' achievements annually on the fourth Saturday of June through the Ruey Classic Memorial Basketball Game.

Our Vision

Our vision is to foster a community united by virtue, equity, justice, faith, and charity. We strive to develop young people through education, athletics, service, and the arts creating a shared purpose that strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among all people.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower young people through sports, performing arts, education, leadership, and community service. Through accessible and inclusive programming, we provide opportunities for youth to develop confidence, discipline, creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills while fostering a lifelong commitment to personal growth and service to others. Guided by our motto, “Learn, Lead, Lift,” we strive to inspire young people to recognize their potential, pursue excellence, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Our Strategy

 

We empower our athletes, artists and leaders to achieve the highest standards of professionalism by cultivating skill, confidence, cooperation, leadership, responsibility and character.

We pledge to:

  • Exemplify excellence in all endeavors both on and off the field, serving as ambassadors of our first-class sports, arts, education, and service organization.

  • Take ownership of our personal preparation, including attendance, punctuality and etiquette, while supporting every member of the SoulPhamm community in meeting these same standards.

  • Strengthen self-discipline and focus by consistently developing our individual skills and contributing to the organization's overall quality.

  • Bring energy and enthusiasm to every opportunity, approaching each encounter as if it was the "chance of a lifetime".

Our Values

SCHOLARSHIP, HUMANITY, INTEGRITY, EQUITY, LEADERSHIP, DIGNITY (SHIELD).
Scholarship: Strive for scholastic excellence in all endeavors

Humanity: Honor the inherent worth and uniqueness of every person
Integrity: Instill ethical principles through consistent actions

Equity: Ensure fair treatment and access for all individuals

Leadership: Lead by example with vision and responsibility

Dignity: Defend the fundamental respect every person deserves

Daily, we commit to: strengthen scholarship; honor humanity; instill integrity; ensure equity; lead by example; and defend dignity.

Privacy Policy: We respect the privacy of the families who visit our website and contact us for information. When a parent or guardian completes our website form, we may collect personal information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and other details provided voluntarily. We use this information solely to respond to inquiries, share information about our programs and services, and communicate with interested families. We do not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Information may be shared only with trusted service providers who help us operate our website or communicate with families and who are required to protect that information. We take reasonable measures to safeguard the information we collect and maintain. Our website and inquiry forms are intended for parents and guardians. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without parental consent, in accordance with applicable laws. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us at info@soulphamm.org. By submitting information through our website, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy. Last Updated: June 2026

There is a destiny that makes us brothers: None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. (Edwin Markham)

SoulPhamm | Email: info@soulphamm.org | 2026-2027 Program Site: Newark, New Jersey

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