Kansas City Urban Youth Academy

Play Ball Weekend, held June 13–15, was all about bringing the game to our community in unforgettable ways. We kicked off Friday with a youth clinic at the Urban Youth Academy, including a special visit from Royals infielder Tyler Tolbert.

On Saturday, we hosted a clinic at Royals Legacy Field at Primitivo Garcia Elementary. Families then joined us at Kauffman Stadium for a pregame tailgate, an on-field view of batting practice, and the Royals game.

The weekend wrapped on Sunday with an MLB Pitch, Hit & Run competition at the UYA. This skills-based event gave our participants a chance to showcase their abilities, build confidence, and deepen their connection to baseball and softball.

Sophia Smith has been an active member of the Urban Youth Academy (UYA) since it opened in 2018. A dedicated volunteer and participant, Sophia has made her mark through her involvement in various programs at the Academy. When thinking of who to nominate for this award, it was crucial to choose someone who truly represents the values and mission of our academy, and Sophia exemplifies the UYA way in every sense. She embodies positivity, respect, and dedication, consistently striving for academic excellence with her strong grades. Sophia’s unwavering commitment is evident through her constant presence at the academy, always contributing her time and energy to its programs. Her leadership and passion for fostering a supportive community make her a standout candidate, fully deserving of this recognition. In addition to her engagement with UYA, Sophia serves as a student ambassador at University Academy and is a member of the school band, further demonstrating her leadership and dedication to her community.

Dontaé DaShon Finley (nicknamed Tator-tot) attends Ruskin High School, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He is a long-standing member of the Greater Kansas City Boys and Girls Club & the KC Royals Urban Youth Academy. He plays baseball for both these organizations as well as Ruskin High School’ Varsity team. Dontaé primarily plays shortstop but can play multiple positions.

Dontaé is also a percussionist in his high school band and has played on the drum line for the Hickman Mills School District drill team, as well as a volunteer manager for the Ruskin High girl’s softball team.

After high school, Dontaé hopes to be drafted by a MLB team. He plans to earn a split degree in sports medicine & mechanical engineering.

Dontaé was chosen as the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy Youth of the Year because of his immense positivity, commitment to service, and academic excellence.

Established in 2008, the Dream Series program focuses on developing a player on and off the field through seminars, mentorship, gameplay, scout evaluations, and the highest level of instruction, all while providing a platform for the players to perform for scouts and collegiate coaches.

This year’s nominee is 16-year-old Thomas Smith from Lee’s Summit North High School. Thomas, a first baseman, will travel to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, for additional training.

Tre Paulding from Lee’s Summit North High School was chosen as the 2024 Breakthrough Series representative for the Urban Youth Academy.

Players in the MLB and USA Baseball diversity pipeline, including the Breakthrough Series, Dream Series, and Elite Development Invitational, may be offered additional development and instructional opportunities throughout the year.

M’kayla Cisneros, Ava Harris, Mandia Bock, Grace Samuels and Alexis Lana have been selected to attend this year’s Elite Development Invitational. This event features intense on-field softball development and gameplay along with various off-field development sessions covering topics such as college recruiting, mental health, and women in sports.

The invitational is coached by current and former USA Softball Women’s National Team athletes, professional softball players, and college coaches. Participants represent some of the top athletes from the MLB Youth Academy and Nike RBI network.