BOSTON MARATHON
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Introducing the 2025 Play Ball Foundation Boston Marathon Team
The Play Ball Foundation Marathon Team is on a mission to raise critical funds to create and expand school-based sports leagues for middle school students in high-need communities across Massachusetts. Through Play Ball, over 5,000 middle school students in Boston, Lawrence, Holyoke, New Bedford, Salem, and Methuen have the opportunity to play on school-based teams, building confidence, teamwork, and deeper connections to their schools.
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We are beyond excited to introduce the incredible runners selected for the fourth Play Ball Marathon Team! These dedicated athletes are not just running 26.2 miles—they are running to ensure thousands of kids have the chance to experience the joy, camaraderie, and life lessons that come from playing team sports. Their commitment fuels our mission and makes a lasting impact on the students and communities we serve.
Join us in cheering them on, supporting their fundraising efforts, and celebrating their dedication.
Let’s rally behind the team and show our Play Ball spirit on Marathon Monday!
MEET THE 2025 PLAY BALL FOUNDATION'S MARATHON TEAM
Courtney Aylaian
​"When my family did foster care during my college years, I saw the REAL impact sports can provide. More than “sports”, it’s about creating a foundation for resilience, connection, and self-belief that can last a lifetime."
Stephanie Aker
"I feel privileged to have opportunities to play sports growing up and in college and want other young people to have that same chance to feel empowered, build confidence, and experience the camaraderie of being on a team."
Paris Ekman
"As a former collegiate athlete, I value the lessons I've learned through sports, such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. The Play Ball Foundation’s mission to pass these values and opportunities on to young people through sports resonates strongly with me and I'm proud to contribute to this cause."
John Fritz
“I have experienced first hand the invaluable life lessons that sports teach us. I firmly believe that every kid deserves access to organized athletics, and I am running to help provide these opportunities.”
John Hernandez
"Organized sports have had a profound impact on my development, and I am running for Play Ball to gain more support for youth sports programs in high-need communities."
Ella Janvier
"There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students excel and reach their goals, and it is important to me that all middle schoolers have the opportunity to succeed. Play Ball works hard to make sports available for so many across MA, and I could not be prouder to be running my first marathon to support Play Ball."
Andrew Ko
"I'm running the marathon to make sure children in my neighborhood have access to the same team sports I was lucky to participate in. The opportunity to play organized sports instilled the importance of teamwork, dedication, and competitiveness that I rely on today, and I hope to provide the same opportunity to the next generation of athletes."
Ben Lawsky
“I am running for Play Ball because all kids deserve the incredible benefits, enormous fun, and the growth opportunities that come with playing team sports.”
William Leathers
"Growing up, my friends were my teammates, and my role models were my coaches. It is because of these relationships and experiences where my profound appreciation for The Play Ball Foundation comes from. This is what drives my training and fundraising efforts and is what makes me feel so connected to the amazing youth that they support."
John Marsinelli
"I run because I believe every child should have the opportunity to play sports and not worry about any of the expenses that may come with it. With sports these children will learn life lessons, build friendships, and have memories that will last a lifetime."
Andrew Mosco
"I chose to run for the Play Ball Foundation because every teenager deserves the experience of teamwork, competition, and fun that sports bring. Sports taught me so many valuable lessons, and I want to provide other kids with the same opportunities."
Sara Proctor
“I have seen first-hand what sports did for me growing up as they taught me lifelong lessons and given me my closest friends that I can call family. What Play Ball does for under-resourced middle schools is an honorable cause run by honorable people that I am proud to run for.”
Emma Rosen
"Sports have helped shape who I am, giving me strength through personal health challenges and life’s ups and downs. I am honored to support The Play Ball Foundation as I train for the 2025 Boston Marathon, helping provide underserved kids with the confidence, friendships, and life skills that only team sports can offer.”
Amy Sagalyn
"Sports have always been a big part of my life, teaching me valuable life lessons and meeting wonderful people along the way. I'm running for the Play Ball Foundation because all kids deserve the opportunity to play sports."
Rob Schmults
"I'm running for Playball because I saw how important sports were for my daughter's self-confidence, teamwork skills, competitiveness, and health. Every kid should get the opportunity to get the same benefits she did."
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Please support the Play Ball Team in their fundraising efforts, and show your support on Marathon Monday!