When Life Gives You a Bad Hop—Make Great Plays.
Redefine Success
Growing up as a first-generation Indian American, baseball was more than a game—it was my escape, my community, and the first place where I felt heard. On the field, success wasn’t measured by trophies or stats, but by belonging, confidence, and joy.
That definition of success was shaped even more deeply by my mom’s story. She grew up surrounded by poverty, domestic violence, and neglect—circumstances that could have broken her. Instead, they forged an unshakable resilience. She taught me that success isn’t about where you start, but how you keep showing up. It’s about dignity, perseverance, and lifting others as you rise.
That belief sits at the heart of Make Great Plays. Success, to us, means every kid—regardless of background—has the chance to dream, to try, and to believe they belong in spaces that once felt out of reach.
Small Steps Create Big Shifts
The moment that changed everything was simple—and heavy. I saw kids who wanted to play baseball but couldn’t because their families couldn’t afford equipment or league fees. It wasn’t a lack of talent or motivation holding them back—it was access.
So we started small. In March 2022, with friends and mentors, we launched Make Great Plays. Our first steps were grassroots and local: sports days at Title 1 schools in Thousand Oaks, collecting and donating equipment, helping kids join little leagues. One glove. One field. One afternoon of play at a time.
Those small moments mattered. Every smile, every high-five, every kid stepping onto the field for the first time reminded us that even the smallest actions can shift someone’s trajectory.
Turn Intention into Action
As we grew, we listened more closely. In March 2024, we surveyed parents across six Title 1 schools. What we learned was eye-opening: 65% said gaps in technology knowledge were a major barrier for their families. The challenge wasn’t just access to devices—it was confidence, exposure, and guidance.
That data was a wake-up call. We expanded our mission from play to possibility. Make Great Plays shifted its primary focus to bridging the digital divide—because in today’s world, opportunity increasingly lives online.
Today, we’re a team of 20+ students partnering with local Title 1 schools. Our monthly Tech Awareness programs bring students and parents together with industry professionals who once faced the same barriers. We’re turning good intentions into tangible action—equipping families with skills, role models, and belief that they belong in tech-driven futures.
Make Room for Growth
Growth isn’t just about skills—it’s about character. That’s why the Bridge Builder Badge program is so meaningful to us. We recognize students who show kindness, inclusivity, resilience, and leadership—the very qualities my mom modeled throughout her life.
By honoring these students, we create a ripple effect. We’ve seen kids grow more empathetic, more confident, and more determined to uplift their communities. Parents learn alongside their children. Neighbors support neighbors. Dreams once thought impossible start to feel achievable.
At Make Great Plays, we’re not just about sports or technology. We’re about breaking cycles, building bridges, and redefining what’s possible. When life gives you a bad hop, you don’t stop—you Make Great Plays.
Join us in creating space for every kid to grow, thrive, and succeed
Real Stories, Real Impact
Maria's* story is just one example. This 17-year-old's life was transformed after her cousin attended our Tech Awareness session. With guidance from our mentor, she's now pursuing a tech degree, determined to drive her future intentionally. "I never thought I'd be in tech," she says, "but Make Great Plays showed me it's possible."
*Names have been changed to protect identities
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We're not just changing lives – we're shaping the future. With your support, we can reach more families, break more barriers, and build a brighter tomorrow. Be part of it.