About Joy's Jackrabbits
Track Club
Building a Foundation
for Future Athletes
I created Joy's Jackrabbits to give young athletes a joyful, welcoming introduction to track and field. Our program serves children aged 3–12 throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, and it's designed to help kids build confidence, coordination, and a love of movement—no matter where their athletic journey leads.
I've been coaching for over 30 years, working with athletes from preschoolers to Olympians. What I've learned is that the foundation matters. At Jackrabbits, kids are introduced to all track and field events—running, jumping, and throwing—through age-appropriate drills and games that emphasize good posture, sound mechanics, and safe movement.
Every session is taught in a positive, encouraging environment where effort is celebrated and kids feel supported. We work hard, we laugh a lot, and we make sure every athlete leaves feeling proud of what they accomplished.
Joy's Jackrabbits is a USA Track & Field–registered club in the Pacific Association—and most importantly, it's a place where kids learn to love the process of growing stronger, inside and out.
Our Club's Values
Whether or not your child is destined to be a track star, Jackrabbits provides a strong foundation for all sports—and for life. Through movement, repetition, and encouragement, kids learn teamwork, discipline, and how good habits translate into better performance.
Grateful
and Kind
Respect is part of training. Athletes are taught to thank officials and coaches, cheer for others, and recognize effort on every level.
Good
Attitude
Effort matters. Curiosity matters. Encouragement matters. We teach kids to show up positively—for themselves and for their teammates.
Good
Posture
Strong posture builds strong movement. Kids learn how alignment and body awareness improve efficiency, balance, and confidence.
About Joy's Story
For more than 30 years, Joy Upshaw has helped young athletes grow with confidence, discipline, and joy. Parents trust Joy because she pairs world-class experience with genuine care for every child.
Joy has represented Team USA, is a 25-time World Masters Champion, and has served as U20 Head Coach for USA Track & Field. She received the 2023 USATF CEO Award for leadership and integrity.
Most importantly, Joy creates a safe, positive, and structured environment. Practices are age-appropriate, focused on healthy development, and designed to build confidence as much as skill. Small traditions—like ribbons and celebrating effort—help every athlete feel seen and supported.
Joy's Jackrabbits reflects that philosophy:
Competitive When Appropriate, Joyful Always
