“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.”

(Magic Johnson)

OUR VISION

Provide opportunities for every child to experience joy through sport.

 

OUR MISSION

Provide all kids with access to low cost, high quality sports programming and use the power of sport to develop champions.

Meet Our Team

  • A headshot of Kate Braun, Executive Director of The Champion Project

    Kate Braun

    Executive Director

  • A headshot of Don Gleason, Associate Director of The Champion Project

    Don Gleason

    Consultant - Culture and Performance

  • A headshot of Craig Starzynski, Program Director of The Champion Project

    Craig Starzynski

    Program Director - Volley Power

  • A headshot of Eli Irizarry, Assistant Program Director of The Champion Project

    Eli Irizarry

    Assistant Program Director - Volley Power

  • The Rock is a youth sports facility located right outside of Buffalo, NY. The Rock is the home of The Champion Project, Niagara Frontier Volleyball and WNY Fitness and Rehabilitation Institute.

  • The Rock is open to rentals from the community. We host large sporting events (volleyball, basketball, cheer, gymnastics, wrestling). The Rock is also available for team practice space and other sporting activities.

  • The Rock is the perfect location for your next party! We host birthday parties, team functions and family/corporate events.

  • The Rock is open to families from all over Western New York. The facility will only close if there is a driving ban in the town of West Seneca. Each renting organization will decide the status of practice during weather related circumstances.

    TCP Academy teams/practices follow this protocol. Families are asked to use caution and make the best travel decision for their household. Safety first please!

 

TCP College Partner Model

The success of TCP is built around our amazing coaches. TCP utilizes the “College Partner Model” to staff our camps and clinics. Through this model, TCP partners with local college athletic programs to develop relationships between these schools and the community. The college athletes are trained as coaches and provide tremendous mentoring and skill based learning to our athletes. Partnering schools include:

  • The Daemen University Wildcats Logo

    Daemen University Men’s Volleyball

  • The Daemen University Wildcats Logo

    Daemen University Women’s Volleyball

  • The D'Youville University Saints Logo

    D'Youville University Women’s Volleyball

  • The Erie Community College Kats Logo

    Erie Community College Women’s Volleyball

  • The SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils logo

    SUNY Fredonia Women’s Volleyball

  • Hilbert College Women's Volleyball

    Hilbert College Women’s Volleyball

  • Buffalo State Men’s Volleyball

 

Sports Based Youth Development

Sports-based youth development focuses on out-of-school-time programs, and uses a particular sport to facilitate learning and life skill development in youth. The Champion Project uses SBYD to accomplish the following goals:

  • An icon of a volleyball player. The icon is dark blue on a gold background.

    Physical Activity

  • An icon of a coach. The icon is dark blue on a gold background.

    Positive Relationships

  • An icon of a medal. The icon is dark blue on a gold background.

    Leadership and Confidence

  • An icon of two hands clasped together. The icon is dark blue on a gold background.

    Team Focus

Board of Directors

  • Gary Hill

    Board President

  • Kate Braun

    The Champion Project and The Rock

  • Carly Hill

    CaHill Resources & CaHill TECH

  • Nick Osinski

    Union Concrete

  • Kelly Kinderman

    Community Services for Every 1