Athletes for Hope brings together influential athletes who lead with purpose—using their voices, platforms, and actions to inspire service, drive change, and strengthen communities around the world. Explore the athletes who help guide and shape Athletes for Hope at every level of leadership.
Since 2006, Athletes for Hope has mobilized thousands of athletes to serve, lead, and inspire change in communities nationwide. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we honor the leaders—past and present—who have helped shape a movement rooted in service, wellbeing, and hope.
Launched in 2024, the AFH Athlete Leadership Council is spearheaded by esteemed athletes. Each are committed to continuing the legacy of AFH’s Founding Athletes and inspiring the next generation of sports leaders through their commitment to making the world a better place.
Learn more about each ALC member by clicking their photo below.
Stephen Curry’s on and off court legacy is underscored by transformation and innovation. His 14-year career in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors is marked by many firsts. He was the first person to be named Most Valuable Player by unanimous vote in NBA history, the first player to hit 100 3-pointers in the NBA Finals, one of a select few to win MVP awards two years in a row, remains the all-time leading scorer in Golden State Warriors history and holds the record for most 3-pointers made in NBA history. He holds nine NBA all-star selections and four NBA Championships. Curry is CEO of Thirty Ink, a purpose driven collective that houses all of Curry’s business enterprises, such as Unanimous Media, which features award-winning media projects; Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation with wife Ayesha; and UNDERRATED, an inspiring lifestyle brand committed to providing equity, access and opportunity to underrepresented communities. Furthermore, in 2020, he launched Curry Brand, powered by Under Armour, with a mission to open doors for underrepresented youth and increase access for sports across the country.
Katie Ledecky, a ten-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, is recognized as one of the most dominant athletes of all time. Often called the ‘First Lady of Freestyle’, she has broken 16 World Records and 37 American Records in her career. Out of the pool, Ledecky is an advocate for education, gender equality, and the empowerment of young athletes. In 2022, she received Athletes for Hope’s Community Hero Award.
Nathan Chen, a three-time Olympic medalist and three-time World Figure Skating Champion, has captivated audiences with his unparalleled skills on the ice. As the first man in figure skating history to land five quadruple jumps in a single performance and the first Asian American man to win a gold medal in the sport, he has quickly become a role model and icon for future figure skaters. Chen is committed to using his platform to inspire the next generation through environmental advocacy, diversity and inclusion and public health awareness. In 2022, he published his first children’s book, Wei Skates On, to teach kids the importance of finding joy in whatever they choose to do. He is currently studying at Yale University.
Elena Delle Donne is a three-time high school state champion, a McDonald’s All-American, CAA Rookie of the Year and three-time CAA Player of the Year in her four years of basketball at the University of Delaware, a WNBA number two overall pick, WNBA Rookie of the Year, two-time WNBA MVP, WNBA Champion, the only WNBA player in the 50-40-90 club, member of the WNBA 25th Anniversary Team, the all-time best free throw shooter in WNBA history and an Olympic gold medalist for Team USA. Off the court, Delle Donne has consistently used her platform to be a role model for young girls. She works to raise awareness for Lyme Disease and partners with organizations such as the Special Olympics to help give differently-abled children equal access to sports. Learn more about her story here.
Gabby Thomas is a world-class Team USA sprinter whose impact reaches far beyond the track.
She is a five-time Olympic medalist, earning three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, one silver and one bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Excelling in the 100-meter and 200-meter events, Gabby is revered as one of the fastest women in history.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Gabby is deeply committed to community service and impact. She regularly serves patients and supports staff at the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic in Austin, TX, and uses her platform to advocate for equity, education, healthcare accessibility, and community wellbeing. She graduated from Harvard University in 2019 with a degree in neurobiology and global health. Following graduation, she achieved her Masters of Public Health, majoring in epidemiology at the University of Texas at Austin.
As a member of the Athletes for Hope Athlete Leadership Council, Gabby champions the CHAMPS program, which supports youth by bringing movement and mental wellness together while building lifelong character and leadership skills. Her dedication to excellence on and off the track makes her a powerful voice for the next generation of changemakers.
In 2006, a group of elite athletes who shared an unparalleled commitment of time, energy, and resources to various charitable causes began a dialogue. They recognized many fellow athletes shared their desire to make a positive difference in the world, but didn’t know where to begin. As a result, they founded Athletes for Hope in an effort to eliminate barriers to giving back and bring all non-profit inspired athletes together for a common goal: to make a difference in the world.
Learn more about each ALC member by clicking their photo below.
Launched in 2024, the Athletes for Hope Athlete Advisory Board (AAB) is comprised of influential athletes dedicated to guiding the organization’s engagement efforts. Through strategic input on education, recruitment, and service initiatives, AAB members play a pivotal role in deepening athlete connections to AFH and expanding their impact in communities worldwide. From addressing mental health and social justice to promoting access to sport, these athletes are committed to leveraging their platforms for good.
Explore each AAB member’s unique contributions by clicking their photo below.
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.
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, 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 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 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 is a Colorado native and current offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals. After playing collegiately at Kansas State University, Risner went on to play for his home state’s team, the Denver Broncos as well as the Minnesota Vikings. 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.
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.
Jenny Sichel is a Team USA Paralympic coxswain, coach, and unwavering advocate for disability rights and mental health awareness. With the personal motto to “always view the gold lining,” Jenny brings optimism, resilience, and purpose to everything she does.
Jenny is a four-time World Rowing Championship silver medalist and a silver medalist Paralympic Games. She went on to coach for the U.S. Paralympic Rowing Team at the 2021 Paralympics, continuing her legacy of leadership both on and off the water.
Beyond rowing, Jenny is a experienced public speaker, an improv team member, and disability inclusion consultant. She’s passionate about destigmatizing mental health and expanding access to sport and community for people of all abilities.
Alice Merryweather is a 2018 Winter Olympian and former alpine skier with the U.S. Ski Team, known not only for her speed on the slopes but for her courage in sharing her journey beyond the podium. As a World Junior Downhill Champion and top competitor on the World Cup circuit, Alice represented Team USA with pride and tenacity throughout her athletic career.
After stepping away from professional sport, Alice has become a powerful voice in the mental health space, using her platform to destigmatize mental illness and advocate for athlete well-being. Through honest storytelling, public speaking, and community engagement, she brings visibility to the often-unseen challenges elite athletes face, and reminds others they are not alone.
Ingrid Neel, a Rochester, MN native, is a current professional tennis player. A former University of Florida Gator and proud member of an NCAA national championship team, Neel has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No. 33 and holds four WTA Tour titles. She represents Estonia on the international stage and has competed in two Billie Jean King Cups. Passionate about teamwork and giving back, she brings a competitive spirit and global perspective to everything she does—on and off the court.
Kori Carter is a world-class track and field athlete, best known for her gold-medal performance in the 400m hurdles at the World Championships. After a successful professional career representing Team USA on the global stage, Kori transitioned into entrepreneurship and mentorship. She is the founder of Coached, a platform that connects athletes with expert feedback through video analysis, and currently serves on the coaching staff at the University of Texas, helping guide the next generation of talent.
Kori is deeply passionate about athlete empowerment, mental health, and creating equitable access to sport. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to believe in their potential.
Isaac Jean-Paul is an elite Paralympic track and field athlete who has made a remarkable impact in the T13 classification for athletes with visual impairments. Diagnosed with juvenile retinoschisis, Isaac has overcome significant challenges to become a multi-time Paralympic medalist and a world record holder in the high jump.
Beyond his athletic career, Isaac is deeply committed to disability advocacy and inclusion. He holds degrees in social science and liberal arts, and currently serves as the Creative Director of Marketing and Paralympic Coach at San Diego State University Adaptive Sports. Through these roles, he mentors the next generation of adaptive athletes and promotes greater awareness and access in sports.
For two decades, Athletes for Hope has shown what’s possible when athletes lead with purpose. With the guidance of our staff and leadership, we’re just getting started.
