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Road Less Traveled - Winning in Life - Not Just in Games
Empowering Young Adults to Define Success on Their Own Terms
Too often, young people are told to follow a path that doesn’t fit who they are. AgainstThaGrain exists to change that. We’re the bridge that connects ambition to opportunity—helping young adults break cycles, build confidence, and find direction through mentorship, access, and real-world growth.
Our Purpose
Why AGTG Exists
Mission
Build Athletes for competition, purpose, leadership, and life.
Vision
Every athlete competes with confidence, Transitions with clarity, and builds a life of purpose beyond sports.
Mantra
Your value was never in the jersey
Coach Donte is an outstanding coach—knowledgeable, patient, and deeply invested in his players. What stood out most was the genuine relationship he built with my son, which unlocked a completely different level of coaching and confidence. My son went from struggling to consistently throw strikes to going undefeated for two straight seasons. Coach Donte truly helped take his game to another level.
— Arthur Polly
FEATURED
The Huddle
You were never just the jersey. What football built in you was meant to carry far beyond the game.
AGAINSTHAGRAIN and YOTES4LIFE are launching a new pilot partnership for University of South Dakota football alumni, centered on faith, brotherhood, connection, and purpose.
No matter where you are in the journey, there is something to gain, something to give, and another Yote to move forward.
A New Chapter for DeJuan Lewis
Congratulations to DeJuan Lewis on his next chapter as Defensive Backs Coach at St. Thomas High School! One chapter closed. A new one begins. And this is AGTG in motion: proving that you are more than the jersey, and your purpose can carry far beyond it.
From playing the game to teaching it. From being coached to coaching the next generation. The season changed. The purpose didn’t.
Guiding the Mission
Janarius 'J-Roc' Harris
Entrepreneur, Educator & Community Leader
Janarius “J-Roc Da Barber” Harris is a licensed barber, licensed barber instructor, entrepreneur, educator, and military veteran dedicated to mentorship, education, and community impact. Originally from Belzoni, Mississippi, he transformed a passion for barbering into an award-winning career, earning recognition as a 9-time Barber Battle Champion and appearing on the CW Network’s Cedric’s Barber Battle. Following his service in the United States Navy aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), Janarius built a reputation as one of Houston’s most respected barbers and business leaders. Today, he is the founder of Picture Perfect Cuts Houston, Cuts Barbershop, and J. Harris Barber Academy, where he trains and mentors the next generation of barbers and beauty professionals. He is also the founder of The Freshmen Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering young men through mentorship, education, life skills, and community outreach. Through leadership, service, and entrepreneurship, Janarius continues to create opportunities and inspire others to pursue excellence in their careers and communities.
Josh Jones
Founder & President, Bluechips United Baseball
Josh Jones is a former professional baseball player, coach, mentor, and entrepreneur dedicated to developing young athletes on and off the field. After signing a professional contract at 17, he turned his passion for the game into a lifelong commitment to mentorship and player development. In 2014, Josh founded Texas Bluechips Baseball Academy, now Bluechips United, an organization focused on player development, character building, academic accountability, and college placement. Under his leadership, more than 300 student-athletes have earned opportunities to continue their baseball and academic careers at the collegiate level. Known for his commitment to discipline, integrity, and personal growth, Josh continues to impact the next generation through coaching, mentorship, and leadership, helping young athletes become successful players, students, and men.
Pedro Beltran M. Ed.
Business and Marketing Advisor
Currently serves as a Business and Marketing Adviser for AgainstThaGrain, supporting the organization with strategic planning, brand positioning, marketing direction, and business development. In this role, he helps strengthen systems, expand outreach, and align the organization’s mission with sustainable growth opportunities. Pedro Beltran Montalvo, M.Ed. is a bilingual instructional, business, and strategic systems leader with 15 years of experience in education and 7 years of prior experience in marketing and business. His work spans district-level leadership, professional learning, data systems, digital transformation, project management, and instructional improvement. He currently supports executive-level initiatives in Spring ISD and has led work that strengthened educator capacity, expanded digital learning, improved data-driven decision-making, and supported measurable student achievement gains. Pedro brings a strong blend of educational leadership and business strategy, grounded in a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master of Education.
AGTG Partners
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