Our Mission/Philosophy
U1 Sports is where confidence, character, and community come to life.
Founded and led by former student-athletes, U1 Sports is committed to empowering young athletes to grow on the field, in the classroom, and within their communities.
Our programs are designed to inspire and challenge athletes—building confidence, strengthening character, and creating a sense of belonging. Through a positive, supportive environment and mentorship from experienced coaches, we help athletes unlock their full potential and develop the tools to succeed in sports and in life.
With more than 25 years of experience in coaching, teaching, and youth development, we deliver transformative programs that go far beyond the game.
We Are
U1SPORTS
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
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U1 Sports Founder and Premier Sports Camp director, Dan Pena, is a physical educator, coach, trainer and mentor whose passion for education, development and service has been evident throughout his 13-year career. He has expertly coached teams ranging from kindergarten to intercollegiate-level and has instructed players in sports clinics and coordinated youth programs. Dan created ”First Kick” soccer program: New York City’s first soccer program designed and coached by experienced Special Education Teachers.
Dan’s athletic career began as a Syracuse University Football defensive lineman. After earning his B.S. in accounting (CPA) from the Whitman School of Management, Pena went on to obtain an M.S. in Sports Management from Canisius College.
Dan began his teaching career at the Mandell School in New York City as a physical education teacher, and extended day coordinator. After his stint at the Mandell School, Dan served as the director of athletics at Camp Watitoh and the JCC. While at the JCC, Pena created a successful NFL flag football league, developed and directed sports clinics and coordinated various other sports and recreation programs.Currently, Dan teaches physical education at the Browning School. He previously taught physical education at the Stephen Gaynor School, a private Special education school, and served as the Associate After school Director. Entering his 13th season as the offensive/defensive lineman coach for the Fieldston varsity high school football team, he aided Fieldston in winning three Ivy Preparatory School League championships. Dan also coached Jacob McKay and Sam Greene, who went on to play for Brown University Football and Wesleyan University Football, respectively.
In 2016, Pena was selected as the Defensive Line coach of the Columbia University Football Recruiting Camp. In 2012, Pena was selected as the defensive line coach for the NAIA vs. Division 2 College All-Star game. The following year, he was selected as the defensive line coach for the 2013 Euro-American Challenge International Scout Bowl.
Dan brings 13 years of teaching, coaching, player development and curriculum design experience, as well as 10+ years of program development, facility and fiscal management experience. As Founding CEO of U1 Sports and President of Think U1 Inc, Dan aims to share his creativity and experiences as an educator, student athlete, and coach with prospective student athletes and the community.After his stint at the Mandell School, Pena served as the director of athletics at Camp Watitoh and the JCC, a nonprofit community organization, in Riverdale. While at the JCC, Pena created a successful NFL flag football league, developed and directed sports clinics and coordinated various other sports recreation programs.
Currently, Pena teaches physical education at the Stephen Gaynor. He previously taught at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School and continues to serve as the director of football for Fieldston Sports Camp. Entering his 8th season as the offensive/defensive lineman coach for the Fieldston varsity high school football team, he aided Fieldston in winning three Ivy Preparatory School League championships. Pena also coached Jacob McKay and Sam Greene, who went on to play for Brown University Football and Wesleyan University Football, respectively.
In 2016, Pena was selected as the Defensive Line coach of the Columbia University Football Recruiting Camp. In 2012, Pena was selected as the defensive line coach for the NAIA vs. Division 2 College All-Star game. The following year, he was selected as the defensive line coach for the 2013 Euro-American Challenge International Scout Bowl.
As program director for U1 sports, Pena aims to bring his teaching and coaching knowledge to children in underserved communities.
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Gabriel Peña is a dedicated Physical Education and Special Education teacher with a proven track record of building inclusive programs that meet the needs of diverse learners. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University at Albany and a Dual Master’s in General and Special Education from Hunter College.
For the past six years, Gabriel has served as a Physical Education teacher at The Gateway School, where he designs and delivers dynamic athletic programs that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and lifelong wellness. His role includes coaching interscholastic soccer, basketball, and softball teams, as well as creating engaging, skill-based curricula that inspire students to achieve their full potential.
Before joining The Gateway School, Gabriel was a Special Education Teacher at Zeta Charter School, where he worked with students of varying abilities, focusing on differentiated instruction and individualized learning plans. Prior to that, he began his career with the NYC Department of Education, developing his expertise in adapting educational approaches to meet the needs of every student.
Gabriel’s unique background in both Physical and Special Education allows him to connect with children of all abilities, fostering environments where all students can succeed. His passion for education and program development continues to shape the lives of students through meaningful and impactful experiences both in the classroom and on the field.
Gabriel is currently the founding 1st Grade teacher at Zeta Charter School. Pena’s school and work experiences gives him a unique perspective on how to communicate with student-athletes on an interpersonal level. In addition to being a Special Educator, Pena tutors, mentors, and privately trains students on a need basis.
"The coaches make learning fun and encourage every child to do their best. There is incredible growth in athletic ability and sportsmanship.
"The coaches make learning fun and encourage every child to do their best. There is incredible growth in athletic ability and sportsmanship.
"The focus on skill development and character building is strongly seen in every session across all the sports programs."
"The focus on skill development and character building is strongly seen in every session across all the sports programs."
"The positive atmosphere in this program is unmatched! It's a great balance of competitiveness and fun. "
"The positive atmosphere in this program is unmatched! It's a great balance of competitiveness and fun. "
OUR INITIATIVES
