Monica Abbott, Softball
Monica Abbott is one of the most decorated softball players of all time. The California native turned Tennessee Volunteer broke the NCAA record in strikeouts, shutouts and career victories. Professionally, she was a six-time Japan Softball League MVP and a six-time champion of the Japan League. Abbot’s accolades do not stop there. The decorated pitcher won numerous world championships and two silver medals for Team USA. She broke barriers signing a $1 million contract to play in the National Pro Fastpitch League, setting an example for young athletes around the world. Off the diamond, Abbott is a published author and she has her own scholarship to support multi-sport female athletes who demonstrate leadership in their sport and in the classroom.
Matthew Boling, Track & Field
Matthew Boling is one of the most exciting young athletes across the country with exceptional speed. The Houston native recently turned pro after an accomplished career at the University of Georgia where he succeeded on and off of the track. Boling won multiple championships and was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the year two times in three years. Boling has been a sensation since high school where he ran the fastest all-conditions 100m dash at 9.98 seconds. Boling earned his degree majoring in marketing prior to focusing on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games where he will aim to medal for Team USA. Boling’s impressive skills in the 100m, 200m and long jump, while also staying grounded in school and in the community make him a tremendous example for young athletes to follow after.
Kendra Chambers, Track & Field
Kendra Chambers is an accomplished track and field athlete for Team USA and runs professionally for Team Oiselle. The Texas native competed collegiately at the University of Texas where she was an 8-time All-America. Chambers continues to train today and is outspoken about taking care of her body through yoga and the power of teamwork.
Vania King, Tennis
Vania is a former professional tennis player, reaching career high rankings of #3 in doubles and #50 in singles. A two time Grand Slam champion, Vania won the 2010 Wimbledon and US Open Women’s Doubles Championships. She serves as the Executive Director of Serving Up Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides tennis programs for underserved children around the world, consultant for the Women’s Tennis Association and Women’s Tennis Benefit Association, and Director at Large of the USTA. She is also the co-founder of the Asian American Pacific Islander Tennis Association (AAPITA) with the mission to develop, grow, and elevate the visibility and interests of the Asian American and Pacific Islander tennis community. Vania received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a masters degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. In her free time, Vania enjoys birdwatching and singing.
Elliot Markuson, Bobsled/Skeleton
Elliot Markuson, is a Mississippi native, with a long athletic journey as a former SEC football player at The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and a current Team USA Bobsled Athlete. Having ventured overseas, he immersed himself in diverse roles as an educator and football coach while living in China. Embracing his role as a Sports Diplomat, Elliot believes in the unifying power of Sports Diplomacy to forge global relationships. Beyond his time training and thrilling descents on icy tracks, he spends his time exploring the world and enjoying diverse cultures as an intrepid traveller and life long learner.
Megan Montefusco, Soccer
Megan Oyster Montefusco competes professionally for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. After breaking into the league with the Washington Spirits, the Illinois native battled injuries, but she did not let them stop her. Oyster Montefusco has also appeared in a few games for the United States national team and the defender continues to inspire young soccer players on and off the field.
Emily Renna, Bobsled/Skeleton
Emily Renna is a western New York native, with a long athletic career including competing in track and field at the University of Rhode Island and is now a current Bobsledder for Team USA. Emily also works full time in the biotech industry for a company that focuses on gene therapy for rare diseases. She’s always loved science and pursued an undergrad and graduate degree in Exercise Science and joined the biotech world after graduating in 2017. Beyond her time working and competing all over the world, Emily also enjoys travelling to places where there aren’t bobsled tracks and experiencing new cultures and adventures.
Dalton Risner, Football
Dalton Risner is a Colorado native and current offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings. After playing collegiately at Kansas State University, Risner went on to play for his home state’s team, the Denver Broncos. While Risner has had a successful NFL career, his work with Special Olympics, Camp Hope and other works around the community demonstrate his passion for helping others. Risner received the Denver Broncos nomination for the 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year award and continues to do great work throughout his community through his “RisnerUP” foundation with its mission to spread positivity through love and kindness for all.
Carolyn Swords, Basketball
After a long, productive career spanning 9 years across four teams in the WNBA and multiple international stops, Carolyn Swords called it a career in 2021. The Sudbury, Massachusetts native played out her college days at nearby Boston College where she is the school’s all-time leading scorer and has her number hanging in the rafters. Throughout her career, Swords worked on the WNBA’s Players Association Executive Committee as well as advocated to increase voter turnout with the “Rock the Vote” campaign. Swords remains involved as a Product Line Manager for Nike and is active in her community – something she prioritized during her career and continues today. In 2016, Swords was honored with the WNBA Cares Community Assist award.
Deja Young, Track & Field
Deja Young-Craddock recently retired as an accomplished USA Paralympic Athlete and two time gold medalist. Young-Craddock has spent time in a leadership role, serving as an athlete mentor as part of the Sports Envoy Program of the U.S. State Department to Nigeria in 2018. Her experience in overcoming challenges inspires the next generation of Paralympic athletes.. Not only that, Young-Craddock recently began her career as a first grade PE teacher! Her passion for educating young children is evident and she is a great example for all to follow.