
Founded to address the inequitable access to school-based sports programs between Boston students and their suburban counterparts, the Play Ball Foundation was founded in 2006 by Mike Harney.
The Play Ball Foundation began by raising funds to create school-based sports leagues for youth in the Boston Public Middle Schools. Since then, we have expanded beyond Boston to Holyoke, Lawrence, New Bedford, Lynn, Salem, Methuen & Chelsea.

THE PLAY BALL TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Katie, a University of Richmond alumna, graduated in 2003 where she excelled in soccer and served as co-captain in her senior year. She launched her in career in 2003 as a commercial real estate broker with Spaulding & Slye/Jones Lang Lasalle, dedicating herself to the firm until 2016. After stepping away from the corporate world, Katie channeled her passion into volunteer work with The Play Ball Foundation, an organization close to her heart. Her dedication led her to become the Director of Development in 2021 and, by May 2024, the Executive Director. Katie is profoundly committed to bridging the gap in access and opportunity for middle schoolers to participate in sports. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I know the impact sports have had on my life and on my kids’ lives each day, so it is a privilege to work for an organization that is doing such necessary and meaningful work for the middle schoolers that need it the most.”

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Wendy has had a lifelong passion for sports having grown up playing soccer and tennis. She played tennis at The University of Notre Dame where she was a three-time All American and served as a captain her senior year. After graduating in 1996, she began what was a 25+ year career in finance working in the Investment Banking, Private Equity and Hedge Fund industries in New York and Boston. During this time she also began working with or volunteering at numerous non-profit organizations focused on youth such as Special Olympics, Student Sponsor Partners, Boston Scholars, The Mighty Moose Foundation, Inc. and Play Ball Foundation. Her strong desire and commitment to help provide equitable access to youth sports opportunities led her to join the Play Ball Foundation in 2025 as Director of Operations. Reflecting on the opportunity at Play Ball she shares, "Not a day goes by that I don't incorporate a lesson learned through organized sports into my daily life. My hope is for all middle school children to have equal access to sports for their overall social, emotional and physical health."
THE BOARD
Mike Harney
Founder and Chairman of Play Ball Foundation;
Managing Director, LifeSci Capital
FAVORITE SPORT
Lacrosse
FAVORITE SPORT
Lacrosse
Sam Lawrence
Senior Vice President at PSG
John McGoldrick
Development Analyst
Cohasset Hospitality Group
FAVORITE SPORT
Golf
Kully Reardon
Former College and High School
Women's Lacrosse Coach
FAVORITE SPORT
Lacrosse
Benjamin Small
Chief Operating Officer
Birchview Capital
FAVORITE SPORT
Lacrosse
FAVORITE SPORT
College Football
Pete Thamel
College Football Senior Writer
ESPN

BOARD OF ADVISORS
Emily Ross
EVP Client Services, VIVO Agency
Kayla Burton
ESPN Reporter
Scott Davies
Director, BTIG
Chris Herrmann
Investment Professional, Private Family Office
Stu Porter
Founder, Managing Director, CEO & CIO of Dedham Capital
Ian Franke
Managing Direct, Institutional Insurance Group
Make an Impact, Make a Donation
We believe in the power of sports. We believe in the power of our Play Ball students. We believe in the power of Play Ball communities. Help us strengthen our support by making a donation today.