K’s for Kids was born from a simple but powerful idea: using the game of softball as a platform to give back.
For several years, my father and I talked about how we could turn our experiences in sports into something meaningful beyond competition. Recognizing how fortunate we had been—through access to teams, coaching, travel, and other opportunities—those conversations grew into a desire to create impact for others, particularly children who may not have the same access to sports.
As I began thinking more intentionally about causes that mattered to me, one stood out close to home: the Yorktown Pioneer League, a program supported by the Special Olympics New York that provides sports opportunities for middle and high school students with disabilities and special needs. The Pioneer League community, combined with prior family experiences volunteering with athletes with special needs and disabilities, helped shape the vision—creating inclusive, joyful sports experiences for all athletes.
At the same time, we had been inspired by the work of the Keeper of the Game Foundation, founded by James Vilade, a former college teammate of my father. Through stories and conversations shared over the years, I saw firsthand how the foundation uses sports to positively impact children and young adults with disabilities. That inspiration sparked a connection: maybe K’s for Kids could align with an organization already making a difference, while bringing that mission into my local community.
From that intersection—personal passion, community need, and an established mission—K’s for Kids took shape - and I was offered an opportunity to be an ambassador for Keeper of the Game!
The initiative leverages my platform as a student-athlete to raise awareness and funds in support of inclusive sports programming. Through game-day activations like “Keeper of the Game Day,” fundraising efforts, and community engagement, K’s for Kids aims to create opportunities for children and young adults with special needs to experience the joy, confidence, and belonging that sports provide.
At its core, K’s for Kids is about connection:
Connecting athletes with opportunities
Connecting communities through shared experiences
And connecting a local initiative with the broader mission of the Keeper of the Game Foundation
What began as a conversation between a father and daughter has grown into a purpose-driven effort—one that strives to turn every pitch, every game, and every moment on the field into an opportunity to make a difference.
Through K’s for Kids, we’ve turned our softball season into a platform for impact—raising funds and awareness, and hosting a “Keeper of the Game Day” with Pioneer League athletes in partnership with the Keeper of the Game Foundation.
We are so proud of the connections and experiences we’ve created—helping athletes with special needs feel included, valued, and part of the game.
To date, we’ve received pledges of over $1,500, hosted our first event, and are planning a clinic and play day to keep building momentum and "serving those who need us most."
