Brooknam Sports: Empowering Holistic Child Development

As a trusted child development organization, we are committed to fostering growth through sports, education, and mental wellness in New York City and surrounding areas.

About Brooknam Sports

Brooknam Sports is a child development organization dedicated to supporting the holistic development of a child. We began our journey in New York City, inspired by the need for programs that combine sports, education, and mental wellness to nurture well-rounded growth. Today, we proudly serve families across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, Jersey, Long Island, and the Tri-State area.

Our programs are thoughtfully designed to foster the holistic development of a child, offering opportunities to excel in basketball, chess, football, handball, dance, and academics. By blending physical activity, mental wellness, and educational support, we provide a balanced approach that meets the needs of busy families and helps children thrive in a safe, nurturing environment.

As a trusted child development organization, we are committed to creating programs that empower children to grow into confident, capable individuals. With experienced coaches and educators, we ensure each child has the tools to succeed both on and off the field. CONTACT US to find out how we can help your child reach their full potential.

Brooknam Sports offers a unique blend of sports, education, and mental wellness programs tailored for children in the New York City and Tri-State area. Our comprehensive developmental solution enhances skills in basketball, chess, football, handball, dance, and more while supporting academic growth through after-school programs. We provide balanced extracurricular activities that foster both physical and mental development. Our programs fit busy schedules of working parents, offering a safe, nurturing environment that encourages teamwork and personal growth. With experienced educators and coaches, we seamlessly integrate sports and academics to support each child's well-being.

Our Mission

As a child development organization, our mission is to provide a well-rounded development platform that addresses both the physical and mental needs of children, appealing to parents who prioritize balanced growth for their children.

Shakima Murray

Shakima Murray is the Founder and Executive Director of BROOKNAM Sports, a nonprofit youth organization dedicated to empowering children through sports, mentorship, and community engagement. With more than 21 years of experience working with youth and families, she has devoted her career to creating safe, supportive environments where young people can build confidence, discipline, leadership, and lifelong skills.

Shakima earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Touro College, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her professional journey includes serving as an educator with the New York City Board of Education, where she helped shape and inspire young minds, fostering both academic and personal growth. She also served as a Child Protective Specialist with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, advocating for the safety and well-being of children and families. These experiences strengthened her belief that positive mentorship, education, and structured activities can profoundly change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Driven by a passion for youth development, Shakima founded BROOKNAM Sports in 2019 with the vision of using athletics as a powerful tool for personal growth and community empowerment. Under her leadership, the organization has created opportunities for young athletes to develop character, strengthen teamwork, build resilience, and achieve success both on and off the court.

Shakima firmly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Her unwavering commitment to service and her dedication to uplifting the next generation continue to shape the mission of BROOKNAM Sports—developing not only skilled athletes, but also confident leaders, responsible citizens, and positive role models who will make a lasting impact in their communities.

Terrance Williams

Hello, I'm Terrance Williams, founder of Brooknam Sports. With over two decades of experience in child development, I have dedicated my career to creating programs that nurture both the physical and mental growth of children. Having witnessed the transformative power of integrated learning, I am passionate about providing a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive. At Brooknam Sports, we're committed to helping parents in New York City and beyond find the perfect balance for their children's development.

Terrance Williams, the visionary behind Brooknam Sports, is a seasoned expert with a profound passion for fostering holistic development in children. With a rich background in sports, education, and mental wellness, Terrance has dedicated his career to creating innovative programs that seamlessly integrate these elements. His commitment to nurturing both the physical and mental well-being of children has positioned Brooknam Sports as a leading developmental platform in the New York City and Tri-State area. As the founder and driving force of the company, Terrance leverages his expertise to ensure that each child receives a balanced and comprehensive growth experience, supported by a team of experienced educators and coaches. His unwavering dedication to community support and personal growth reflects his deep-rooted belief in the power of well-rounded education and extracurricular activities.

Sha’de Payne
Co-Founder of BROOKNAM Sports

Born and raised in New York City, Sha’de Payne is a passionate youth advocate, educator, and proud Co-Founder of BROOKNAM Sports, a youth sports program and AAU basketball organization dedicated to empowering the next generation through mentorship, leadership, discipline, and community.

With over 13 years of experience working with children, Sha’de has devoted her life to uplifting and guiding young people both on and off the court. Her passion for youth development began at an early age through helping raise her younger brother, where she first discovered her natural ability to connect with, mentor, and positively influence children. That experience became the foundation of her purpose and inspired a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth.

Driven by a strong belief in being the change she wishes to see in the world, Sha’de approaches every child with compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to help them recognize their full potential. She believes sports are more than competition — they are a powerful tool for building confidence, character, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the game.

In addition to her years of mentorship and community involvement, Sha’de brings over five years of professional experience as an Assistant Teacher with the Department of Education. Her background in education has allowed her to work closely with children from diverse backgrounds, creating supportive environments where they feel encouraged, valued, and empowered to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Through BROOKNAM Sports, Sha’de is committed to creating opportunities that inspire growth, build confidence, and leave a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes and their families. Her mission is not only to develop stronger players, but to help shape strong, confident, and resilient young leaders prepared for success in every aspect of life.

Omari Frederick
Coach

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Omari Frederick understands firsthand the value of perseverance, discipline, and hard work. Growing up in one of the most competitive basketball environments in the country, he learned how to navigate adversity while balancing the demands of basketball, academics, family responsibilities, and everyday life. Those experiences helped shape the person, player, and leader he is today.

As a player, Omari competed at some of the highest levels of basketball throughout New York City and across the nation. His journey allowed him to face elite competition, build lifelong relationships, and gain invaluable experience both on and off the court. His passion for the game carried him into the collegiate ranks, where he gained experience across multiple levels of college basketball, giving him a unique perspective on the different paths student-athletes can take to achieve their goals.

Today, Omari begins a new chapter as a coach and program director, bringing the same passion, work ethic, and commitment that defined his playing career. His mission extends far beyond wins and losses. He is dedicated to helping young athletes develop not only as basketball players, but as students, leaders, and productive members of their communities.

Omari’s vision is to create an environment where every player is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. He believes in teaching life lessons through basketball—accountability, resilience, teamwork, and confidence—that will serve athletes long after their playing days are over. Most importantly, he is committed to being the mentor and role model he wished he had growing up, providing guidance, opportunity, and support to the next generation.

Through his leadership, Omari hopes to leave a lasting impact on every athlete he coaches, helping them chase their dreams while building the character necessary to succeed in all aspects of life.

Armand St. Louis
Conditioning Coach | BROOKNAM Sports

Armand St. Louis was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he spent most of his life. Growing up in the East New York community, Armand witnessed firsthand the challenges and temptations that often affect young people. Determined to create a different path for himself, he chose a life rooted in discipline, purpose, and personal growth.

A former basketball player at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Armand competed at a high level in New York City’s highly competitive Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA), where he developed a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a competitive mindset that continue to shape his approach to athletics and mentorship today.

Currently, Armand is a dedicated fitness trainer, Conditioning Coach for BROOKNAM Sports, and student at Long Island University. Through his academic studies and mentorship from former NBA veteran and Head Coach Rod Strickland, he continues to expand his knowledge of basketball, leadership, and athlete development both on and off the court.

Passionate about calisthenics, fitness, wellness, and personal development, Armand believes true strength is achieved when the mind, body, and spirit work together in harmony. His commitment extends beyond physical training—he is dedicated to mentoring and empowering young people, helping them build confidence, discipline, resilience, and character.

As Conditioning Coach for BROOKNAM Sports, Armand is committed to developing young athletes both physically and mentally, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, determination, and mindset needed to succeed in sports, academics, and life.

Unlock Your Child's Full Potential

Read our comprehensive guide to discover how our programs integrate sports and academics, supporting your child's holistic development.

Read Our Guide Now

Empowering Children Across New York City

At Brooknam Sports, we take pride in being a leading child development organization, offering exceptional programs throughout New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, Jersey, Long Island, and the Tri-State area. Our services include a unique blend of sports, education, and mental wellness, ensuring your child receives comprehensive support. As a trusted child development organization, we are committed to helping children excel both academically and athletically, addressing the needs of parents who seek balanced growth for their children. Our programs are designed to fit the busy schedules of working parents, offering a safe and nurturing environment.

"Brooknam Sports has been a game-changer for our family. The programs are perfectly balanced, offering both sports and academic support. Our children have thrived in this environment!"

- Parent from Brooklyn

"We love the holistic approach Brooknam Sports takes. Our daughter has improved in both her studies and sports, and we couldn't be happier with the supportive community here."

- Parent from Manhattan

"The mental wellness focus at Brooknam Sports sets it apart. Our son's confidence has soared, and he's developed amazing teamwork skills. Highly recommend!"

- Parent from Jersey

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Brooknam Sports is a child development organization that offers a unique blend of sports, education, and mental wellness programs for children in the Tri-State Area.