A group of student-athletes who support the Wu administration’s push to renovate White Stadium spoke out last Thursday (March 13) during an online forum organized by pro-stadium residents in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain.

The Google meeting — hosted by BPS parents Dorothy Fennell and Beth Santos and president and coach of the Dorchester Elite Eagles Terry “Beefy” Cousins— included several students, some of whom read statements from peers who also want to see the city-owned facility fixed up and modernized for their use.
“Boston is full of talent but without the right resources, we are always starting at a disadvantage,” said Jai’Reona Brown-Carter, a senior at Brighton High who plays basketball, runs track, and is on the cheer team. “This renovation will give us the tools to train like the best, because that’s what we are.” 

She added: “When I race at White Stadium I am not just competing against my opponents, I’m competing against the track itself [with its] uneven surfaces and worn-down lanes. It slows us down and increases our risk of injury. We train hard all year and we put in the work. We should be able to compete on a track that lets us show our full potential, not one that holds us back.”

If all goes to plan, the current six-lane track will be replaced with an eight-lane MIAA-compliant track. That’s very important to fellow Brighton High senior, Delmace Mayo, who competes on the track team using a wheelchair.

In a statement read by Pedro Cruz, executive director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement, Mayo wrote: “Track is my passion but let me tell you, competing at White Stadium is a challenge. The track is cracked and uneven which makes it dangerous for any athlete, but especially for someone like me who competes in a racing chair.”

Mayo, who is ranked nationally, has had to travel far to train. He wants something much better for the next generation of BPS student-athletes.
“Boston doesn’t have the kinds of facilities that wheelchair athletes need to train safely, never mind at a high level. I want a local track where I can train without having to travel for hours just to find a safe surface. White Stadium should be that place, for me and every athlete in the city.”

Mayo, who was adopted from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as a paraplegic infant, hopes that through his hard work he will inspire more students with disabilities to get involved in sports. Despite his being a senior, it seems to him that his career is just getting started. In December the 19-year-old signed with the University of Arizona’s adaptive track team. 

While Mayo has just one season left in Boston, he looks forward to coming home to an accessible and inclusive track. 

Other parts of White Stadium, built in 1949, need a makeover, too, said Adriyana Chandler, another Brighton High senior.

“We need better sand pits, dedicated throwing areas, and safe training spaces,” she said. “We make do with what we have, but let’s be real, it’s not what we deserve.”

She added, “We want to see Boston athletes competing at the highest level, [but] we need a stadium that meets those standards. We are proud high school athletes that push hard, and we work ourselves every day and we deserve a stadium that reflects that.”

Cathedral High School sophomore Alexis Carvajal Lorenzo wants a safe space to train even when his basketball season comes to an end. Melissa ‘Kaylin’ Diaz, a sophomore at Margarita Muñiz Academy will also train at the stadium hoping to hone her flag football skills.

At the same time, she thinks it could be a great opportunity to explore a future career in the professional sports world.

“I’ve been learning so much about myself through this team and I want to learn more about the professional sports careers,” said Diaz. “Maybe one day I’ll get an internship or a job through the women’s professional team at White Stadium.”

Salma Jama, a junior at Boston Collegiate Charter School, wrote that she never thought of herself as an athlete but she sees the impact the facility can have on her community. 

“I know what it’s like to show up for my friends. Whether it’s soccer, track, or football, I want to be in the stands supporting them in the stadium that reflects the pride and talent of Boston students,” shared Jama. “Whether you’re competing, training, or just showing up to cheer on your friends, this is the space for us all. That’s the future I see this renovation will build and that’s why I support this project and I hope it gets completed quickly.” 

According to the City of Boston project page, the goal of renovating White Stadium isn’t just to create a top venue for student-athletes but to add a community hub that can serve all those around Franklin Park. 

Mackendy Joseph, a junior at Boston Prep Charter School, agrees.

“To me, White Stadium represents an opportunity not just for sports but for a space that can serve students after school, in the summer, and on the weekends. A well-designed stadium isn’t just for games, it can be a hub for youth programs, training, and community events that give students a safe and healthy place to grow.”

Bridget Blair, a sophomore at Boston Latin School added, “It’s hard to find places to study and gather for community events. A renovated stadium will finally give students a place where we can focus, meet up. This project should reflect what students need and that includes spaces where we can learn, collaborate, and build a strong school community.”