Game On: February and March Highlights

Written By Mary Rockelman

Did you know that 94% of female executives played sports growing up? Yet, girls are still dropping out of sports at nearly twice the rate of boys. At Leveling the Fields, we’re on a mission to change that—one game, one practice, one opportunity at a time.

Spring is here, and so is our first newsletter of the year! Thanks to supporters like you, we’re creating more opportunities for young athletes every day.

Check out this month’s updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved!

What’s inside… 👇🏼

Program Update

Upcoming Events

Highlights from February & March

How Can You Help?

A group of smiling girls stand in the middle of a gymnasium. Some of the girls have their arms around each other, showcasing the bonds they've developed through the program. Coaches stand to the sides and in the back. One coach holds a basketball.

Programs Update

Philip Simmons and Cainhoy Elementary wrap up their 9-Week EmpowerPlay program this week, while St James-Santee, Minnie Hughes, Frierson, and EB Ellington walk into week three of their 6-Week PlayFit programs. Our girls have been working hard with their coaches, building confidence, leadership, and teamwork. For many, this was their first time playing these sports, and the impact has been incredible. One of our participants shared that she had never played basketball before but now absolutely loves it. Another is already looking ahead, saying she's excited to try out for the volleyball team next year!

Upcoming Events

⚽ Gear Up for Girls with Blue Sky Endurance
Gear Drive sponsored by Blue Sky: Win exciting prizes, enjoy exclusive deals, and declutter your garage all at once!
Biggest need: softball & lacrosse equipment
📅 Date: April 7th
📍 Location: 624 Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
⌚ Time: 5-7 pm

🐰 Booth at Bunny Bazaar - Central Creek Farmers Market
Come by our booth on April 16th.
📅 Date: April 16th
📍 Location: Central Creek Farmers Market
⌚ Time: 4-7 pm


🎉 Booth at Summerville MayFest
Celebrate with us on May 10th at this annual event that brings the community together in celebration of spring.
📅 Date: May 10th
📍 Location: Summerville MayFest
⌚ Time: 1-5 pm

Highlights

As we reflect on the past months, we are so grateful for the incredible support from our community and the amazing opportunities we had to showcase our mission.


Community Hero Game - Charleston Battery

On March 8th, our CEO/Founder, Melyssa Jaskiewicz, was honored as the Community Hero for the Charleston Battery’s home opener and presented with a $1,000 donation to further support our mission. Thank you to the Charleston Battery for supporting us, and to everyone who showed up to celebrate Melyssa and our cause!

Melyssa Jaskiewicz was honored as the Community Hero for the Charleston Battery's home opener. Leveling the Fields volunteers stand with Charleston Battery representatives, holding a giant check for a thousand dollars to support LTF's mission.

Women’s History Month Panel with the Charleston Battery

As part of Women’s History Month, Melyssa participated in a panel hosted by the Charleston Battery on March 18th. The discussion focused on the achievements and struggles of women in business and how important it is to empower and support young women and each other. - Watch the full interview HERE!

Lowcountry Live with Erin Kienzle

On April 2nd, we were featured on Lowcountry Live with Erin Kienzle to talk about the work we are doing and what the community can do to help. Raising awareness is a major goal of ours in 2025. Watch the interview HERE!

Melyssa Jaskiewicz and Olivia Finckel sit with Erin Kienzle on the set of Lowcountry Live to talk about Leveling the Fields.

Christ our King Equipment Drive

Huge THANK YOU to these amazing girls from Christ our King for organizing and completing an incredible equipment drive for us!

Girls from Christ Our King Middle School pose in front of a Leveling the Fields poster. They held an equipment drive for LTF and created an informational poster to raise awareness about the organization.

1Million Cups

1 Million Cups was kind enough to add us to the speaker roster earlier this year. Melyssa spoke to over 50 local business leaders about our mission and answered questions on our roadmap. You can watch the presentation HERE.

Stingrays Assist of the Game

In January, LTF was honored to be the Community Assist! The Stingrays made a $1,994 donation that will be used for expanding our programs in the fall as we work towards our goal of running EmpowerPlay in all 39 Title 1 schools across Berkeley and Charleston County.

Volunteers from Leveling the Fields are photographed on the jumbotron at the Charleston Stingrays hockey game. They are waving and holding a check for $1994, a generous donation from the Stingrays organization.

How Can You Help?

🩷 Donate: Your generous contribution helps fund scholarships, sports gear, and programs that give girls the tools they need to succeed. Every donation counts!

📲 Follow Us: Stay connected on social media for updates, event highlights, and ways you can get involved.

👉 Join the Steering Committee: We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join our Steering Committee! Email Melyssa@levelingthefields.org

✨Attend an Event: We host several events throughout the year. Join us, share with your circle, and help us grow!

Mary Rockelman
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Game On: April and May Highlights
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Honoring Flo Hyman: The Legacy Behind National Girls & Women in Sports Day