813 Elite Track & Field Achieves 79 National Titles and 20 Scholarships in First Season
Tampa-based youth track program 813 Elite demonstrates how prioritizing athlete development beyond sports yields exceptional competitive results and life opportunities in its inaugural season.
813 Elite Track & Field has concluded its inaugural season with extraordinary achievements, securing 79 national titles and facilitating 20 collegiate scholarships for its athletes, establishing itself as a transformative force in youth sports development. The Tampa-based program's immediate success highlights the effectiveness of its holistic approach to athlete development, which emphasizes mental, physical, and emotional growth alongside athletic performance.
The club's championship haul includes 4 AAU National Champion titles, 1 New Balance National Champion title, and numerous All-American recognitions across multiple national competitions. Additionally, 813 Elite earned the prestigious 2025 AAU Zone B Club of the Year award, outperforming more than 1,000 teams nationwide, and finished as national runner-up in the AAU Club Championship among over 250 competing teams.
Co-founders Steven "Coach G" Gamble and LaKeisha "Coach K" Gamble, both U.S. military veterans and USATF Certified Coaches, built the program on a mission that extends beyond athletic achievement. "These milestones are about more than medals," said Coach Gamble. "They reflect the heart, grit, and unity of our athletes and families. From day one, our mission has been clear: to open doors, instill confidence, and prepare young people for success in every arena of life."
The program's philosophy centers on developing the "total athlete," ensuring that athletic growth is matched by character development, academic achievement, and life skills. This approach has proven particularly effective in preparing young athletes for collegiate opportunities, with 20 athletes receiving scholarships that will further their education and athletic careers.
Coach LaKeisha Gamble emphasized the program's broader mission: "At 813 Elite, track and field is the training ground, but the real goal is shaping confident, capable human beings. Every athlete's journey matters, and every family is part of this movement." The program's family-first approach and commitment to building resilience and discipline in young athletes has created a supportive environment where both competitive success and personal development thrive.
As the program prepares for its second season, it maintains its founding vision of elevating student-athletes, strengthening families, and inspiring future generations. The remarkable first-year success positions 813 Elite as a model for youth sports programs nationwide, demonstrating that prioritizing comprehensive athlete development yields both competitive excellence and life-changing opportunities for young people. More information about the program is available at https://www.813elitetf.com.