what we believe
Every Child Deserves a Chance to Play
We believe that no child should be denied the opportunity to experience the joy, growth, and life lessons that sports provide, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Our mission is to break down barriers and create inclusive, accessible opportunities for all children to play, compete, and thrive. Because when every child can step onto the field, court, or track, they step into their potential.
Sports Are a Cornerstone of Healthy Youth Development
From building physical strength to cultivating emotional resilience, sports play a vital role in helping young people grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Teamwork teaches collaboration. Practice builds discipline. Wins and losses alike offer valuable life lessons in perseverance, humility, and respect. For many kids, sports become a safe space—a place to belong, to express themselves, and to discover their potential both on and off the field.
For the past 15 years, he has excelled at aligning top talent with the right teams. As a life long athlete who stays competitive through golf and volleyball, he knows firsthand how powerful sports can be in shaping a person’s life and drive. Russell firmly believe that the lessons learned on the court helps build the foundation for excellence in every area of life.
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Steve brings a well-rounded marketing background rooted in project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional team leadership to his role on the Board of Directors. He earned his B.S. in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, where he developed an early interest in how communication builds trust and evokes emotion between organizations and their audiences. As a Senior Project Manager at one of Boston’s top advertising agencies, Steve oversees initiatives that merge creativity with operational discipline, always with an eye toward outcomes that matter. A former athlete and lifelong advocate for youth development, Steve’s earlier experiences in coaching and working with youth camp programs helped shape his passion for mentorship and community-building.
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Michael brings a valuable combination of educational expertise and business acumen to our board. Leveraging his background as a former teacher, he excels at clear communication and community building. Currently, Michael owns and manages a successful real estate business, providing him with strong strategic and organizational leadership skills. He is also a great networker, expanding our charity's reach and forging important connections. Michael's commitment extends across the community; he has actively supported various charities, including those dedicated to youth sports and veteran suicide prevention. His diverse philanthropic focus reflects a deep dedication to social well-being.
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A former Division I volleyball player, Olamide draws inspiration from her mother and her medical mentors to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and cultural advocacy. As a proud alumna of UCI’s PRIME LEAD-ABC program, she trained alongside a passionate cohort dedicated to eliminating health disparities in the African, Black, and Caribbean communities. Olamide’s approach to medicine goes beyond the science; she is deeply committed to addressing the structural and cultural factors that influence patient well-being, ensuring every patient receives compassionate, well-rounded care.
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Sarah brings a vibrant, creative energy to the board. As a color-obsessed brand and website designer, she runs her own successful business, offering valuable expertise in visual communication and strategic growth. Her discipline and teamwork are rooted in her athletic background as a multiple sport athlete, including collegiate track and field. When she isn't working or staying active, you can find Sarah relaxing with a chai latte, diving into a psychological thriller, or embracing her love for the ocean at the beach.
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Nathan is a dedicated board member inspired by his family and driven by a brighter future. As a father of two daughters, he brings a commitment to community wellness to his role. A fiercely dedicated runner, Nathan has conquered the challenges of multiple Boston Marathons, a perseverance he applies to supporting our charity's goals. Beyond running, he enjoys the collaborative energy of being a volleyball player and is known by many as an amazing friend. Nathan's passion for the cause is deeply personal: he has successfully raised money to support Teddy's team for stroke and heart disease in memory of his father. His leadership is a testament to turning personal challenges into powerful advocacy.
meet the board of directors
Russell Carter
Board Member
Steve Detora
Board Member
Board Member
Michael Ketchen
Olamide Sonuga
Board Member
Sarah St Pierre
Board Member
Board Member
Nathan Fluet
