We’re done talking about loss, broken promises, and teams skipping town. With spring season in full swing, we’re excited to be bringing the community together to talk about what’s new and what’s next by shining a spotlight on three passionate folks who are bringing energy, pride and joy back to sports in Oakland.
The Oaklandside’s Culture Makers
Thursday, June 12, 6:30-8 p.m. at The New Parkway Theater
*No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Join us on Thursday June 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Parkway Theater for an unforgettable evening of discussion with Oakland Ballers General Manager Laura Geist, Oakland Roots Soccer Club co-founder Tommy Hodul and Oakland Girls Softball League President Amanda Wentworth. They’ll be swapping stories about what it takes to build and sustain community-powered sports teams in Oakland—and what it means to root for teams that truly represent the people.
We’ll also be treated to a special live musical performance by the rising bluegrass duo, Spicy Sally.
If that weren’t enough, audience members will get a chance to score some great merch (including game tickets and team swag!) with giveaways happening throughout the evening.
Come out to connect, and be part of the next chapter in Town sports.
Laura Geist, Oakland Ballers
Geist is the general manager of the Oakland Ballers, a professional baseball team competing in the independent Pioneer League. The team was founded and began play in 2024 at their refurbished home field at Raimondi Park in West Oakland. In her role, Laura is responsible for overseeing operations and community development for the organization.
Before joining the Ballers, Laura held key positions at tech companies including Google, Meta and Microsoft, where she gained expertise in managing large-scale programs and product optimization. She is a third generation Oakland resident with a deep love for the city. She lives in Oakland with her husband and two daughters and is anxiously awaiting the Ballers’ Opening Day on May 20.
Amanda Wentworth, Oakland Girls Softball League
Oakland native Amanda Wentworth grew up playing softball with the Oakland Girls Softball League (OGSL) and the Oakland Athletic League (OAL) and now serves as president of the OGSL. She also has 10 years of experience coaching girls softball, including for the past two years as the assistant coach at Fremont High School.
Passionate about youth sports, Amanda believes that creating opportunities for Oakland kids to play, compete, and grow requires a community effort. As OGSL president, Amanda has sought to expand access to softball and increase the league’s enrollment in underrepresented communities. She is also focused on strengthening the OAL’s high school program, ensuring that student athletes have pathways to continue their softball careers, regardless of what school they attend.
Tommy Hodul, Oakland Roots & Soul
Tommy Hodul is a co-founder of the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul sports clubs. With nearly a decade of experience in sports-related communications, he oversees all public relations and media efforts for both soccer teams in his current role as vice-president of communications.
Born and raised in Oakland, Tommy graduated from Skyline High School and holds degrees in Jazz Performance from Cal State Northridge and Music Pedagogy from the University of Miami. Now back home with the Oakland Roots and Soul, he combines his deep love for The Town and passion for music and sports to craft stories that help to uplift Oakland. You can find him on most weekends hiking with his dogs at Sibley and Redwood Regional Parks.
Spicy Sally
Led by former Oakland School for the Arts students NAIMA and MK Martinez-Griffith, Spicy Sally is a new offshoot of the rising bluegrass band Salty Sally. MK is a cellist and violinist who has performed with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, Mariachi Juveníl de Hayward and the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra. 15-year-old NAIMA is a vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has performed at BottleRock, supported Valerie June, and performed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass as part of the emerging artists supergroup Oakland Rising. The duo is appearing at Culture Makers through their partnership with Follow the Music, an emerging artist and music education program.
