MARA Monthly Newsletter
December 2026
| | MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT | | Dear MARA Families, Volunteers, Community Partners, and Staff, | | I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. As I wrap up my first year as President, I am reminded that my term as MARA President is already halfway over — and what an incredible year it has been! | | Throughout this year, I have had the privilege of watching our student-athletes and coaches rise to every challenge, demonstrating leadership and a genuine love for their sports. I have also seen families come together to support our fundraising efforts and long-term park improvements, and I remain inspired by our staff, volunteers, and community partners who help uphold our reputation as one of the best places to play youth sports in our area. | | One of my favorite parts of being at the park continues to be listening to coaches during their end-of-game talks. Their words are often filled with encouragement and life lessons that extend far beyond the field. As I shared at our annual meeting, we never truly know what a child may be experiencing — and often, a coach becomes a steady, positive presence in their life. It is one of the things that makes this community so special. | | Last month, we held a very productive MARA Member Meeting, where we reflected on our recent successes and discussed major projects and initiatives for the year ahead. A significant part of this meeting included the induction of our newly elected board members, as well as recognizing two outstanding leaders who are completing their terms. | | Maureen Ryan and Kim McKinney each played a major role in supporting MARA for the past two years. Maureen’s leadership as Board Secretary and her work advancing our multi-year capital campaign helped move critical infrastructure improvements forward and left a lasting impact on the park. Likewise, Kim’s dedication as co-lead of this year’s Spring Hit-A-Thon made several key upgrades possible, including a new batting cage on Field 8 and new netting on Field 12. Their hard work and commitment have strengthened our community and directly benefited hundreds of athletes. | | We are incredibly proud of all our athletes who represented MARA across every sport in 2025. Across baseball, football, cheer, Bambino Buddy Ball, and more, our athletes have achieved remarkable success this year. We are especially excited for our MARA Colts Cheer teams — Tiny Mites and Mitey Mites — who will be heading to the Pop Warner National Championship this month. Congratulations also to our 12U MARA Colts for bringing home both the City and Regional Championships in November, and to our 10U MARA Mudcats White for winning the Queen City Baseball League Championship. These accomplishments showcase the dedication and spirit that make MARA such a special place. | With spring just around the corner, registration for Spring sports will open in about 30 days, and we look forward to another great year of sports, fun, and community. Thank you to every family, coach, player, volunteer, and partner who makes MARA such a fun and meaningful place to play and belong, and for helping make 2025 such an outstanding year! | | Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a fantastic start to the new year. | | Justin Vandergrift
MARA Board President | | MARA Member Meeting Recap
Tuesday, November 17 | | Thank you to all our members who joined us for the annual MARA Member Meeting on Tuesday, November 17. Your engagement and support are what continue to propel our organization forward, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to be part of this important evening. | | President Justin Vandergrift opened the meeting with a heartfelt farewell to Hazel Williams, our Past President. Hazel’s years of dedication—as a parent, leader, and volunteer coach—have left a meaningful impact on MARA. His determination to resolve our field drainage issues has greatly improved safety and reduced weather-related delays, and we are truly grateful for his service. | | | We also shared our appreciation for two valued Board Members who completed their service this year: Maureen Ryan, who brought consistency and care to her role as Board Secretary, and Kim McKinney, whose enthusiasm played a key role in several of our fundraising initiatives. Their contributions have shaped MARA in countless ways, and we thank them both for their hard work and dedication. | | |
2025 MARA Board (L-R):
Jessica Tullar, Elizabeth Hockerman, Bill Eichorn, Justin Vandergrift,
Hazel Williams, Rick Johnston, Maureen Ryan, Tim Danner
Not Pictured: Kim McKinney and Misti Pinkston-Allen
| | 2025 Organization Overview | | |
The meeting included a comprehensive review of our priorities for 2025. This included:
- Upcoming fundraising efforts and community events
- Planned park improvements designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall experience
- A detailed overview of MARA’s current financial state
- Updates on our Capital Campaign, which continues to progress with strong support from families, partners, and community members
| | Looking Ahead: 2026 Initiatives | |
We also provided a look at several major initiatives planned for 2026. These include:
- Launch of our Coaches Safe Sport Training Program
- Continued emphasis on safety through ensuring all MARA coaches become CPR and AED Certified
- Additional park enhancements aligned with long-term facility goals
| | These initiatives reinforce our commitment to offering the best possible environment for every athlete and family who calls MARA home. | | During the meeting, members also participated in the election of our 2025 MARA Board of Directors. We are excited to welcome our newly elected leaders, who bring fresh energy, unique experience, and a shared passion for MARA’s mission. We look forward to the impact they will make as we move into a year of continued growth. | | |
2026 MARA Board Members (L-R):
Pablo Ocasio, Michelle Jackson, Melanie Bertch, Jessica Tullar, Jamie Rodway
Not pictured: Misti Pinkston-Allen
| | | | |
Melanie brings more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and currently serves as a Senior Trust Advisor at Vanguard, where she facilitates charitable giving during and after an individual’s lifetime. She has extensive experience serving on nonprofit boards in both Charlotte and her hometown of Mount Airy, NC, contributing to fundraising, grant writing, and community development efforts.
Melanie and her family are actively involved at MARA, where her son plays baseball and flag football. She is passionate about community service and looks forward to supporting MARA’s continued growth, facility improvements, and athlete experience.
| | |
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science from American InterContinental University and is currently pursuing her MBA at LSU. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she values service, leadership, and community engagement. With a background in specialty sales and entrepreneurship, Michelle brings strong strategic insight and a fresh perspective to MARA.
As a wife and mother of two boys who play baseball and football at MARA, she is deeply committed to supporting the success of our programs and helping shape a positive experience for all young athletes.
| | | | | | |
Pablo is an IT Manager with nearly 20 years of experience, currently overseeing IT operations for five locations across the SE.
Born in Puerto Rico, Pablo now lives in the Charlotte area with his blended family and is deeply rooted in community service. He has coached multiple sports at Metrolina Christian Academy, and recently completed 3.5 years as our Little League Commissioner, where he has helped launch new club and travel programs.
Pablo looks forward to advocating and supporting continued growth within MARA’s travel program.
| | | |
Misti is a Senior Technical Analyst at Wells Fargo Corporation and a proud Radford University graduate with a degree in Management and Computer Information Systems. She is married to John Allen and is the mother of two sons, Jerimyah and Myles. An active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Misti also serves as a ministry leader at Dorsett Chapel Church.
Her community involvement includes leadership roles with the Oakhurst STEAM Academy PTA and an ongoing commitment to MARA, where she began volunteering through the Bambino Buddy Baseball program. Misti has served as Team Parent for MARA’s Tackle Football teams and currently serves on the MARA Board, working with the Gridiron Committee and as Tackle Football Team Parent Coordinator. This will be Misti's second term on the MARA Board.
| | | | | |
Jamie Rodway spent over 20 years in professional motorsports, including as an executive at Roush Fenway Racing, overseeing licensing, sponsor activation, event management, hospitality, retail, and at-event sales for the Livestrong Foundation. In 2015, he founded The Rodway Company, specializing in licensing, merchandising, and business development, with clients such as the Canadian Olympic Committee, Professional Bull Riders Association, and bringing top European soccer teams, including Liverpool FC to Charlotte.
Jamie has also supported many local organizations, including the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, SoccerFC.org, and Myers Park United Methodist Church. He is married to Eleanor and is the proud father of three boys—Max, Gus, and Ben—who have all participated in MARA football programs.
| | |
Jessica Tullar is the President & CEO of the Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce. She holds a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from UNC Charlotte and a BFA in Dance and Broadcasting Communications from SUNY Brockport.
A passionate community advocate, Jessica is serving her second term on the MARA Board and also serves on the Matthews Rotary Club, Matthews Human Services Council, and other local boards. As a mom of four, she is deeply involved in MARA athletics and the Matthews community, bringing creativity, authenticity, and heartfelt leadership to everything she does.
| | | NEWSLETTER SCAVENGER HUNT | |
Want to win a $50 gift card to Mac's Speed Shop?
Join our December Newsletter Scavenger Hunt — the quicker you participate, the better your chances of scoring that smoky, saucy prize!
| | | Giving Tuesday — Kiwanis Club of Matthews
Tuesday, December 2 | | This Giving Tuesday, let’s brighten the future for Matthews kids! | | |
In 2025, the Kiwanis Club of Matthews helped make a difference in the lives of hundreds of children and families in our community:
- Honored 1,854 kids through Terrific Kids, celebrating character and achievement
- Provided $8,216 in clothing through our School Clothes for Kids program
- Awarded a $3,000 Daniel B. Kellas Community Service Scholarship
- Served 2,500+ neighbors through our programs and outreach
| Your support this Giving Tuesday can help us reach even more children in 2026. Every gift reminds a child that their community believes in them and that they matter. | | Together, we can continue improving the world -- one child, one community at a time! | | Light the Knights Festival
November 26 - January 4 | | The 6th Annual Light the Knights Festival returns to Truist Field! Lace up your skates, hop on the snow tubes, browse holiday shops, and take in tens of thousands of twinkling lights. A festive family tradition you won’t want to miss. | | |
Matthews Community Center, 100 East McDowell Street, Matthews
December 13 9:00 am - 10:30 am
| | |
Matthews Community Center, 100 East McDowell Street, Matthews
December 13 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
| | Christmas at Matthews United Methodist Church | | |
JINGLE JAM KIDS & FAMILY WORSHIP
Sunday, December 14, 9:30am in the Gym
A high-energy Christmas Celebration geared toward families & kids age 4-12. Music, games, lights and a Christmas story told in a way you have never seen before. Refreshments, snacks, and a special seasonal activity for the whole family to enjoy afterwards. Details
| | |
CHILDREN’S LIVE NATIVITY SERVICES
Sunday, Dec 21 at 8:15am, 9:30am, & 11:00am
Come for this special worship service as children dressed up as lambs, shepherds, and angels lead the way to act out the story of Jesus’ birth. Details
| | |
CHRISTMAS EVE Family, Traditional & Contemporary Services
December 24 at 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:00pm, 9:00pm & 11:30pm
*1:00pm KIDS & FAMILY Worship in the Gym followed by Live Nativity and Animals in the Courtyard
*2:30pm & 4:30pm KIDS & FAMILY Candlelight Acoustic Worship with Communion in The Gym and Family Activities following in The Commons.
*4:00pm & 6:00pm TRADITIONAL Candlelight Worship with Choir, Orchestra & Communion in the Sanctuary
*9:00pm CONTEMPORARY Candlelight Worship with Praise Band and Communion in the Sanctuary
*11:30pm VESPERS 30-minute Candlelight Worship with Communion featuring A cappella music & Nativity with live animals
Nursery (3 & under) provided for all services, except 9 & 11:30 pm. Matthewsumc.org/Christmas-at-Matthews
| | FREE Player Evaluations with D-BAT Indian Trail | | D-BAT Indian Trail is offering FREE player evaluations for all MARA athletes ages 7 and up! We’re proud to once again partner with our longtime supporter to provide this exciting opportunity for our players. | | Whether your athlete is a seasoned ball player or just getting started, this is the perfect chance to elevate their skills and gain valuable feedback from professional instructors. | |
- Location: D-BAT Indian Trail (13707 E. Independence Blvd., Indian Trail)
- Questions? Contact Ryan at (980) 368-3228
| | Bonus Offer: Purchase a lesson package and receive one month of membership FREE! | | Academy Sport + Outdoors Exclusive Savings Event
Friday, December 5 - Sunday, December 7 | Exclusive Shop Event at DICK'S Sporting Goods
Friday, December 12 - Monday, December 15 | |
MARA ALUMNI:
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
| | We are launching a very special social media series to celebrate our incredible MARA athletes—past and present—from all sports! Whether you or your athlete played baseball, softball, football, basketball, cheer, track, or participated in our Bambino Buddy-Ball program, we want to hear from you! | | We are looking for former players to feature: share a photo from your days at MARA and let us know where you are now. Whether you continued your sport in high school, college, or beyond, we want to highlight your journey and inspire our next generation. | | Do you know someone who should be featured?
Please email Dana Bouque at dana@marasports.net for more information! | |
MARA COLTS
PLAYER OF THE GAME
| |
MARA HOME RUN
HITTER'S CLUB
| | Spring 2026 Baseball Registration | Spring 2026 Baseball registration opens in early January! Stay tuned to our emails, newsletters, and social media for more info! | Congratulations to our Fall 2025 Baseball Champions! | |
AA - Athletics
Head Coach - Eric Christenson
Team Sponsor - Landmark Dentistry
| AAA - Athletics
Head Coach - Mike Rowe
Team Sponsor - Nemo's Reef | Minors - Rays
Head Coach - John Scott
Team Sponsor - Nemo's Reef | Majors - Dodgers
Head Coach - Tommy Little
Team Sponsor - Star Orthodontics | Congrats to our Tournament Champs! | 9U MARA Stingers
Top Gun Tournament Runner-Ups
November 16, 2025 | 10U MARA Mudcats White
Queen City Baseball League Champions
November 16, 2025 | 10U MARA Mudcats White
TopGun Tournament Runner-Ups
November 24, 2025 | MARA Cobras Baseball Camp — Dates Coming Soon! | Get ready for an exciting series of skills-driven baseball camps led by Cobras Head Coach Luca Reyner, supported by assistant coaches and current Cobras players. These camps are designed to help athletes sharpen fundamentals, strengthen game awareness, and build a competitive mindset. |
- Ages: 6–7, 8–9, 10 & up
- Dates & Times:TBD — We anticipate one camp in late December and three camps in late January and early February. More details to come!
- Location: Arthur Goodman Memorial Park (Field TBD)
- Cost: $100
| |
Questions?
Contact Head Coach Luca Reyner at luca.reyner@gmail.com or (305) 903-5073.
| MARA Basketball proudly sponsored by: | MARA Colts Cheer is Heading to Nationals! | Our Tiny Mites and Mitey Mites gave incredible performances at the Regional Pop Warner Tournament on November 15 — and both teams earned an impressive 2nd place finish, officially securing their spots to Nationals! | |
The National Championship is coming to the Charlotte Convention Center:
- Tiny Mites: December 10
- Mitey Mites: December 11
| The tournament is open to the public, so mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on our MARA Colts Cheer teams — more details to come! | National here we come — let's go MARA! | Questions about our cheer program? Email cheer@marasports.net. | |
Congratulations to our 12U MARA Colts —
City and Regional Champions
| Congratulations to our 12U MARA Colts for an incredible season, bringing home both the City and Regional Championships! In a thrilling Nov. 15 showdown against the Garner Trojans, the Colts overcame a 0–13 halftime deficit to secure a 14–13 comeback victory. | Shoutouts to Defensive MVP Adien Bellamy for a game-changing interception, and Offensive MVP Luke Giordano for a 50-yard touchdown that shifted the momentum. | A huge thank you to Coaches Andrew Hinton and Stephen Brown and all the families whose support made this unforgettable season possible. | |
2026 Girls ONLY Winter Flag FB
Registration is OPEN!
| Calling all girls ages 7–14! Join MARA Colts for a fun, skill-building flag football season this winter. Practices start as early as 1/18/2026, with games every Sunday from 1/25–3/01/2026 at MARA. | |
Age Divisions & Cost:
- Mitey Mite – Ages 7–9
- Junior Pee Wee – Ages 10–11
- Pee Wee – Ages 12–14
| Have questions? Email us at commish@maracoltsfootball.com.. | Speed & Agility Training Coming in January! | Spring 2026 Softball Registration | Spring 2026 Softball registration opens in early January! Stay tuned to our emails, newsletters, and social media for more info! | Congrats to our Tournament Champs! | 12U MARA Missfits
TopGun Winter National Championship Silver Bracket Champs
Saturday, November 8 | 10U MARA Chaos
TopGun Winter National Championship Champs
Saturday, November 8 | | 12U MARA Missfits
TopGun World Series Tournament Silver Bracket Runner-Ups
Sunday, November 23 | | Welcome Our New Director of Sponsorship! | | |
We are very excited to welcome Jennifer Kincheloe as MARA’s new Director of Sponsorship! Jennifer brings great energy and experience in fundraising and sponsorships, with a strong background at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Bank of America.
For the past ten years, she has served on the Covenant Day Booster Club Board, most recently as President. Jennifer lives in Matthews with her husband, Will, and their three children, Hunter, Lily Frances, and Garland.
If you have any questions regarding sponsorships, you can email Jennifer at jennifer@marasports.net.
| | Christmas at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center | | |
Stop by the MARA Christmas Tree at Novant Matthews Medical Center, beautifully decorated with photos of our amazing families and athletes. It’s a festive reminder of the vibrant MARA community we’re so proud to be part of!
A special thank you to Novant Health for supporting MARA and helping us share the holiday spirit in Matthews.
| | Interested in Partnering with MARA? | | Do you won a local business in the Matthews area and want to advertise with MARA? Are you interested in sponsoring your player's team? | | As we close out the year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors. Your generosity strengthens our programs, supports our families, and brings our community together in meaningful ways. You fuel every season and every moment of growth for our young athletes. | | Thank you for standing with us and making a lasting impact on the community we proudly serve. | | Do you have something you would like add to our MARA Monthly Newsletter? Would you like to showcase your teams' accomplishments or promote an upcoming MARA event? | Please email Dana Bouque at dana@marasports.net with your newsletter additions and pictures before December 28. | We are happy spread your news! | | | | |
