Founder & Board President

Melyssa is the VP of Sales at Sideline Sports with 20 years of sales and marketing experience. Having worked in male-dominated industries, she founded this organization to help more women reach leadership roles. She and her husband, Dave, have two children who play lacrosse. A former field hockey player, Melyssa knows how vital sports are in building girls' confidence.

Email Melyssa

Board Vice President

Paige is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Mainstay Technologies with extensive experience in technology and security leadership. Growing up playing sports, she understands their impact on confidence and leadership. Paige and her husband, Josh, have two children, both soccer players, and she’s passionate about expanding access to sports for girls.

Board Secretary

Amanda Davis is a registered dietitian and public health pro, and is currently the Director at the Value Institute at MUSC. With 20 years of research and project management experience, she’s focused on making healthcare better across South Carolina. A former leader in the SC Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, she’s excited to support her community. Sports run deep in her family—her daughter is a multi-sport athlete, and her husband is a die-hard college sports fan.

Marketing Chair

Trish is the founder of Above the Grain Media, leads marketing for IOP Escapes, and is a proud pitbull mom to Lua and Cash. A former soccer and softball player, she found her confidence through sports and now empowers girls to do the same through Leveling the Fields. She’s big on bold ideas, beach days, world travel, and cheering on her beloved Yankees—because you can take the girl out of Jersey, but not the Jersey out of the girl.

Community Outreach Chair

Sarah’s no newbie to the non-profit scene; she’s got over a decade of experience with fundraising and outreach. As a former soccer player, she credits the sport with teaching her valuable life lessons early on. By day, she works in architectural sign design, and on weekends, she spends her time tackling miles in the ultramarathon world. When she's not on the move, you'll find her hanging out with her dog, Bear.

Programs Chair

Jalonna is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and public health professional with over 10 years in the field. She currently works in Women's Health Research at MUSC. She is a former cheerleader with over 20 years as an athlete from recreation level to competitive elite. She is excited to see how impactful Leveling the Fields will be for future athletes.

Program Coordinator

Olivia is a former All-American volleyball player who competed professionally in Switzerland and Spain. She led her college team to an undefeated season and NCAA Tournament run before trying out for the USWNT. Now in Charleston, she’s focused on coaching, growing the sport, and inspiring the next generation.

Strategic Planning

Melissa’s first love was Soccer, starting to play formally at 6, and continuing to play socially today. She’s thankful for soccer bringing her not only life long friendships and cherished memories, but also shaping her character. Melissa’s no stranger to the power of sport, having volunteered overseas with Just Play . Day to day, she works in corporate finance for public Media + Tech companies and spends her free time with her bff (her dog), Macaroni, exploring all the breweries around Charleston.

Grants

Morgan currently serves as the Assistant Director of Compliance for the College of Charleston Athletics Department. Growing up playing sports, she understands the importance of leadership skills and friendship sports bring. She is excited to see the popularity of women’s sports growing in the United States.

Equipment Coordinator

Andrea’s professional journey encompasses a variety of roles, from business ownership and small business consulting to managing large-scale projects across industries. Andrea is also a dedicated track and field athlete specializing in Race Walk, competing both nationally and internationally. She is passionate about creating opportunities for future generations to thrive, both on and off the field.

Social Media

Paige is a communications major at the College of Charleston with a background in exercise science and sports. She’s excited to apply her skills in a real-world setting and help share impactful stories. Passionate about the intersection of athletics and communication, she looks forward to making a difference through her work with Leveling the Fields.

Programs

Kathleen is currently the Human Resources Business Partner at Starbucks and brings 15+ years in Human Resources and Career Development. Kathleen has found success in the corporate world through fostering teamwork, adaptability, and growth.  Each of these skills she attributes to being a young athlete has ignited a passion to provide the same opportunities for the next generation!

Spring 2025 Intern

Emmie is a senior student-athlete majoring in public health at the College of Charleston. After graduation, she will pursue a nursing degree. The skill set gained in her soccer career has positively impacted her on and off the field. She wants every girl to have the opportunity to experience the world of sports!

Spring 2025 Intern

Natalia is a senior at the College of Charleston majoring in public health. She works as a triage assistant at a local clinic, gaining hands-on experience in patient care. As a Leveling the Fields intern, she’s excited to help young girls build confidence through sports. In her free time, she enjoys time with her cat, making memories with her nieces, and listening to music.

Special Projects

Melissa currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Laurel Hill Primary in Charleston County School District. She has been in education for over 25 years. She and her husband Anthony have two sons, one in college and the other in middle school. Both of her children have grown up playing sports and she values all the leadership and teamwork lessons being in sports can teach.

Special Projects

Patience Whitlock is the Regional Key Account Manager at C.H. Robinson, where she has spent 23 years building strong partnerships. A dedicated advocate for girls' sports, she has played a key role in growing girls' lacrosse in South Carolina. When she’s not working or supporting her two daughters, you’ll find her on the pickleball court, embracing her love of competition and community.

Copywriting & Special Projects

Lori is currently the Administrative Coordinator at MUSC with a passion for giving back to her community. As a proud mother of two grown children, she dedicates a portion of her free time to volunteering with the Leveling the Fields steering committee, working to support the administrative needs of the organization. Lori believes in the importance of community involvement and strives to make a positive impact wherever she can.

Advisor

David Ricca, Founder & CEO of Vamos Venture Partners, has a diverse background in sports, finance, and philanthropy. A former college and pro soccer player, he later coached, scouted, and advised teams. He’s worked in international wealth management, business development, and sports analytics. A 9/11 survivor, he uses soccer to give back, founding Just Live Soccer to support underserved kids.

Advisor

Chris is a passionate, mission-driven fundraiser with over 30 years of nonprofit experience.  She currently leads a team of major gift officers for Covenant House International, raising millions of dollars to fight youth homelessness. Chris and her husband Aaron have three children- their youngest plays lacrosse. Sports have played a huge role in their family over the years and Chris has experienced first had how they empower young girls to know that they are capable of anything.