Promoting Environmental Responsibility Through Athletics

Oscar Bersoza, Head Girls Soccer Coach and Girls Athletic Coordinator at Belton High School, was recognized as the City of Belton’s 2025 Environmental Ambassador. On March 6, 2025, Coach Bersoza received the Community Environmental Ambassador Award from the Cen-Tex Sustainable Communities Partnership, alongside certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman John R. Carter’s office for his leadership in environmental stewardship.

Coach Bersoza has been instrumental in incorporating environmental stewardship into the Belton ISD Athletics program. By organizing park cleanups and improvement projects, he has fostered teamwork, civic pride, and a sense of community among student-athletes.

“As part of our Athletics program, each team completes at least two community service projects annually,” Bersoza shared. “Our athletes use Chisholm Trail Park frequently, and it’s only fitting that they take pride in maintaining and improving it.”

For the past three years, Belton Athletics students have gone beyond traditional cleanup efforts at Chisholm Trail Park. They have shoveled sand and mulch, painted boulders, and cleared brush along pathways leading to Sparta Elementary School, all while building a strong partnership with the City of Belton.

“We frequently hear from the City of Belton and Fort Cavazos that they appreciate seeing students take part in these initiatives,” Bersoza added. “Our athletes see the direct impact of their hard work, and it’s an honor for us to give back to a community that supports us.”

Belton ISD Athletics Director Sam Skidmore lauded Coach Bersoza’s dedication, saying, “This initiative reflects the core values we aim to instill in our students. Our athletes grew up using these parks, and now they have the chance to give back. Coach Bersoza’s leadership has made this a meaningful and enduring tradition.”

Skidmore also remarked, “Coach Bersoza embodies the spirit of servant leadership. Whether he’s mentoring students, organizing cleanups, or serving on the City of Belton Parks and Recreation Board, he consistently goes above and beyond for our athletics program and the community. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”

In addition to environmental projects, Belton Athletics students engage in a wide range of community service activities, including toy drives, festival support, volunteering at CASA and Helping Hands Ministry, and reading to elementary students.

“The most rewarding aspect of this initiative is seeing our students take ownership of their community,” Skidmore said. “This program shapes not just great athletes but responsible and compassionate citizens.”

Coach Bersoza plans to expand environmental initiatives to include more middle school students and continue making improvements at Chisholm Trail Park. “This is about more than athletics,” he explained. “It’s about fostering community pride and ensuring the next generation understands the value of service.”