As the founder of Beyond Athletics Orange County, I’ve always believed that sports are just the starting point. What truly matters is what leaves a lasting impact, how we truly use what we learn through sports to serve others.

Growing up and even now, I’ve seen how much a single act of kindness, mentorship, or service can change a life. Volunteering isn’t just a requirement in our program; it’s a reflection of who we want our kids to become from leaders who care, too teammates who show up, and most importantly people who give back without needing recognition.

Community is everything to me. It’s where character is shaped, where kids feel seen, and where leaders are grown. Our students may come to us to play, but if they leave with a heart to serve others, then we’ve truly won.

To me, volunteering is how we remind our youth and ourselves that we’re part of something bigger. And when young people understand that they don’t just grow up to be athletes. They grow up to be difference makers.

Denis Prado | founder + president