What We’re About
Sportable has created opportunities and transformed the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport since 2005.
The only adaptive sports club in Central Virginia and one of the top Paralympic sport clubs in the country, Sportable provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes each year by offering a variety of competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs.
Our athletes are all ages, come from different backgrounds, and have varying abilities.
By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, we transform the lives of our athletes and free them to see beyond their disability, enhance their peer relationships and help them to reach their personal finish line.
Our Brand Pillars
- Freeing our athletes to see beyond their disabilities.
- Building peer relationships & reducing social isolation.
- Facilitating physical & attitudinal change in our community.
The Sportable Way
Since 2005, Sportable has been providing sport and recreational opportunities to those with physical and visual disabilities throughout central Virginia. During that time we have executed thousands of program hours, purchased and provided adaptive sports equipment for hundreds of athletes, and created community partnerships that have enhanced the lives of those with physical and visual disabilities living in our community.
The reason for our success is simple – our people. Our staff, volunteers, and coaches genuinely care for our athletes and are committed to our mission of transforming the lives of our athletes through sport. They push our athletes to see past their disability. They push our athletes to achieve new heights. They create community within their programs and foster environments where lifelong relationships are formed.
Our people embody what we have come to call The Sportable Way. We define The Sportable Way as “enthusiasm with intention” and it is guided by our core values:
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Integrity
Being true to our word and honoring commitments to athletes, partners, and community
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Team Spirit
The expectation that our community will enjoy a sport for its own sake, while upholding the highest standard of fairness, respect, and camaraderie
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Passion
Committing to work hard, stay positive, and encourage success in others
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Ingenuity
Fostering an environment where athletes and volunteers are able to reach their full potential
Our Team
Hunter Leemon
Executive Director
How long have you been with Sportable? Since 2014
Hometown: Lawrenceville, VA
Family: Dee Dee (wife), Oscar (son), Romeo and Ky Ky (kitties)
Hobbies: Cycling, reading, watching sports, going to the James River, board games, guessing values on Antique Roadshow
How did you get involved with Sportable? Hunter was introduced to Sportable when he volunteered to lead the Power Soccer team in 2009 – that began a love affair with the organization that carried him to his current position. Hunter has a passion for sports and the city of Richmond, and he strongly believes that both communities are enhanced by the Sportable team, including athletes, volunteers, staff, board, and supporters. He leads the entire organization on a mission to tell the story of Sportable and create a greater impact in Richmond and beyond.
Contact at: hunter@sportable.org
Laura Bennett
Chief Operating Officer
How long have you been with Sportable: Since November 2021
Hometown: Elmira, NY
Family: Husband, 2 daughters (Amelia and Violet), 7 cats, 2 dogs, and 3 guinea pigs.
Hobbies: Travel, reading, hiking, going to concerts, and saving stray animals.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was aware of Sportable through my work in the community brain injury field the last few years and through their partnership with the Sheltering Arms Institute. I’ve spent most of my career working in the disability field in statewide organizations and love the idea of shifting focus to the local level especially in terms of how opportunities to be involved in sports and recreation positively impacts the health and wellness of people with disabilities. After learning about an opportunity to join the organization, and meeting with Hunter, board members, and staff, their enthusiasm was contagious and I am thrilled to be a member of this team.
Contact at: laura@sportable.org
Cindy Schmitt
Development Director
How long have you been with Sportable: November 2019
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Family: Dan (husband), Jackson (son), Cooper (dog)
Hobbies: Running, Skiing, Biking, Traveling and spending time with family
How did you get involved with Sportable? I first heard of Sportable when I moved to Richmond from Austin, TX in 2011. I remember being so impressed with how it started and how dedicated everyone involved with the organization was – including several of my close friends and colleagues. I am grateful to be part of the team now!
Contact at: cindy@sportable.org
Shelley Sowers
Marketing & Events Director
How long have you been with Sportable: Since July 2019
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Sascha (husband), Lasse and Henning (sons)
Hobbies: I love to travel whenever I can
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was first introduced to Sportable in 2005 through Power Soccer and have followed the success and growth of the organization ever since then. My background in sports management and desire to make an impact in the community made a full-time position at Sportable the perfect fit. I am honored to work alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and athletes and am excited to continue to create opportunities throughout Central Virginia.
Contact at: shelley@sportable.org
Forrest Lodge
Program Development Manager
How long have you been with Sportable: Since January 4, 2016
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Hobbies: Staying active through sports. I grew up playing baseball and basketball. My favorite teams are VCU Basketball, the New York Yankees, Manchester United, and the New York Knicks. I enjoy spending time with friends in the city (RVA), catching live music, visiting breweries, watching sports, etc.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was introduced to Sportable while I was a graduate student in the Center for Sport Leadership program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I started volunteering for Sportable’s Power Soccer program and quickly felt a connection to Sportable’s mission of creating opportunities and transforming lives. I couldn’t be happier to be working for this awesome organization today!
Contact at: forrest@sportable.org
Caitlyn Berry
Health & Wellness Outcomes Manager
How long have you been with Sportable: Officially since December 2021, but I have been a volunteer since 2014 and a member of the Associate Board since 2019
Hometown: Hanover County, VA
Family: I met my husband at Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and we’ve been married for 6 years. We have a lazy hound dog named Henry.
Hobbies: I love running and train with several of the Richmond area running groups. I just finished my third marathon and am training for my second 50k Ultramarathon later this month. My husband and I also enjoy craft beer and have visited more than 100 Virginia Craft breweries in the last few years. I’m a fan of almost anything outdoors and love to camp, hike, spend time on the water, and generally relax in the hammock with a good book.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I started volunteering with Sportable when I was getting my Masters in Occupational Therapy at VCU back in 2014. Initially, volunteering was part of a class assignment, but then I enjoyed it so much that I continued. Since then, I’ve volunteered with a variety of programs including power soccer, swimming, kayaking, road racing, cycling, and most recently CP soccer. I also began helping plan the Tailgate fundraising event back in 2016 and grew in my role to eventually serve as Tailgate Chair on the Associate Board (2019-2020) and most recently Chair of the Associate Board. Through all these years of volunteering, I’ve dreamed of one day joining the Sportable team of staff if the right opportunity presented itself. Well now that day is here and I couldn’t be more excited!
Contact at: caitlyn@sportable.org
Chelsea Onstad
Senior Program Coordinator
How long have you been with Sportable: I am just starting with Sportable as an employee, but I spent 4 months here as an intern earlier this year.
Hometown: Hartland, Michigan
Family: My mom Cheryl, dad Gary, brother Eric, and my dogs Riley and Jasper
Hobbies: Running, reading, baking, & playing with my dogs
How did you get involved with Sportable? I first got involved with Sportable as an intern. I recently completed my Masters Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, and I needed to complete an internship as part of my degree. I had been wanting to learn more about adaptive sports for awhile but could not find any opportunities near me. I learned about Sportable from someone who has been volunteering with this organization for a few years, and she only had amazing things to say about it! My internship gave me so many great opportunities to learn about the different sports offered here at Sportable as well as meet many of our incredible athletes.
Contact at: chelsea@sportable.org
Josh Sloan
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
How long have you been with Sportable: Since November 2017
Hometown: Enon, VA
Hobbies: Outdoor sports, Wheelchair rugby, Hanging with my cat, Movies, Books, Nature
How did you get involved with Sportable? I have been an athlete with Sportable since April of 2014. The access Sportable provides me to competitive sport, outdoor activities, and active exercise is central to why I find my life so fulfilling. I am able to cycle, kayak, row, and play rugby on a regular basis throughout the year thanks to the Sportable community.
Given my passion for what Sportable does, my role as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator is a perfect fit. I get to share the Sportable Story with the central Virginia community. By sharing the stories of our athletes and advocating for people with disabilities, I raise awareness and get new people involved with our organization.
Contact at: josh@sportable.org
Amy Smith
Development & Communications Manager
How long have you been with Sportable: One year as an employee. Seven years as an athlete parent.
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Family: Husband Brian and three adult children: Evan, Elena, and Hannah
Hobbies: Playing pickleball, watching wheelchair basketball, thrift shopping.
How did you get involved with Sportable? My youngest child, Hannah, was born with spina bifida and has been using a wheelchair since she was five years old. At age 11, she started trying adaptive sports with Sportable including tennis, rock climbing, road racing, and wheelchair basketball. While everything she tried was enjoyable, she loved the team aspect of wheelchair basketball and threw herself into that sport.
Through the years playing with the Sportable Spokes, Hannah not only developed as an athlete, but also gained friendships, travel opportunities, confidence, independence, and leadership skills. All this led to her signing to play collegiate women’s wheelchair basketball with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she is also studying to be a special education teacher—a dream that wouldn’t have been possible without Sportable.
Hannah’s life has been transformed in many positive ways by Sportable and adaptive sports.
Because Sportable has deeply impacted our family, sharing the Sportable story with our community is a dream job for me.
Contact at: amy@sportable.org
Bill Ramsey
Director of Finance
How long have you been with Sportable? Since Summer of 2010.
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Family: 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren
Hobbies: Handcycling
How did you get involved with Sportable? As an athlete in Summer 2010 participating in tennis. I became a Board member in 2011 and served as Treasurer until resignation in July 2013, when I was hired as an employee in the position of Director of Finance.
Contact at: bill@sportable.org
Our Board
Scott Golden
Chair
at Performance Food Group
Scott Golden
Chair
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Wife – Jennifer; Children – Jonathan, Alex; Dogs: Quinn, Huckleberry
Hobbies: Outdoor activities (hiking, camping, etc.), Enjoying live music, Cooking, Guitar/Banjo
How did you get involved with Sportable? I’ve been involved with Sportable since the organization started. Through my role at Anthem, I led the effort to have Anthem become one of Sportable’s first corporate funders. I have since been actively involved by continuing to fund and providing advice/consultation to the organization through its growth up to the present.
Zack Smith
Vice Chair
CEO
at PartnerMD
Zack Smith
Vice Chair
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Family: Wife – Niki; Daughter – Gracie
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Tennis, Golf, and Boating
How did you get involved with Sportable? A previous board member introduced me to the organization. I became excited after I met Hunter, and learned more about the Sportable mission and purpose.
Jeremy Ball
Secretary
Partner
at Williams Mullen
Jeremy Ball
Secretary
Hometown: Kirksville, MO
Family: Wife – Leah; Children – Julia and Jack
Hobbies: Hiking, Tennis, Music, and Reading
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was introduced to Sportable by a longtime supporter and former chair of the board of directors. After attending a couple of Sportable events, meeting some of the athletes, and meeting with Hunter Leemon, the Executive Director, I fell in love with the mission of Sportable and its visible and life-altering impact on individuals in the Richmond community.
Wayne Duman
Treasurer
Vice President, Financial Management
at Dominion
Wayne Duman
Treasurer
Hometown: Johnston, PA
Family: Wife, 2 Daughters, 4 Granddaughters and 1 Grandson
Hobbies: Pitt Panther football games and spending time with my grandchildren.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I learned of Sportable through a colleague at work, and was impressed by the passion of its leadership and the mission of the organization.
Missy Bass
Production Manager
at C&F Mortgage Corporation
Missy Bass
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Family: Nieces and Nephews
Hobbies: Traveling, Going to see Widespread Panic with my people and Retail Therapy.
How did you get involved with Sportable? I went to a few events with my dear college friend, Hunter Leemon, and was truly inspired by the athletes. Their determination is simply amazing and it’s hard to not want to be a part of it.
Ryan Byrd
Senior Project Manager
at Hourigan
Robert L. Cowgill
Richmond Regional President
at South State Bank
Robert L. Cowgill
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Family: Wife – Julia; Children – Ben, Mary Ellen, Margaret
Hobbies: Golf, Squash, and helping coach children’s sports
How did you get involved with Sportable? I’ve always enjoyed athletics and as a young adult, I had a friend who was injured in a car accident and paralyzed from the waist down. He had been an avid soccer player, and I wish there had been an organization like Sportable in my community at the time that would have provided an outlet for him to continue his athletic endeavors. When I learned about Sportable in the community, I was immediately drawn to it.
Steve Fargis
Executive Vice President
at Professional Risk Associates
Robin Gordon
Owner
at Gordon and Co
Dohn Guyer
Sr Manager Financial Technology
at CarMax
Dohn Guyer
Hometown: State College, PA
Family: Wife – Bina; Children – Nicholas, Matthew and Michael; Dog – Toby
Hobbies: Cycling, Photography, DIY
How did you get involved with Sportable? I first came to Sportable as part of a CarMax Team builder event. I immediately fell in love with the mission and followed that up by volunteering for cycling and a few other events.
Alan Lombardo
CEO
at Sheltering Arms Institute
Gray McDermid
at Community Volunteer
Natisha Knight
Director of Community Partnerships
at The Community Foundation
J.C. Poma
Director of Sports Relations
at Richmond Region Tourism
Dan Schmitt
President
at RMC Events, Inc.
Megan Schultz
Chief Operating Officer
at Sports Backers
Megan Schultz
Hometown: Glen Allen, VA
Family: Husband – Wilson, Children – Chase, Gavin & Ashlyn, Dog – Randy
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, anything on the water, basketball and being outside
How did you get involved with Sportable? Working at Sports Backers we have the pleasure of partnering with Sportable to have athletes at several of our events throughout the year. To add to that the Randolph-Macon connection is very strong, which Hunter and I share. And finally and most importantly sports have been instrumental in shaping who I am and provided me with incredible memories and relationships so being part of an organization that helps provide that experience to those with physical disabilities and visual impairments is really exciting!
Christie Wilson
Middle School Director of Student Life, Math teacher
at St. Christopher's School
Christie Wilson
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Family: Husband – Ben, Children – Tate and Tucker, Dog – Annabelle
Hobbies: I love that I get to spend time watching my boys do the things they love from choir and strings concerts to baseball games and swim meets. Other than that… I do love to shop!
How did you get involved with Sportable? I was fortunate to learn more about Sportable through Hunter Leemon and began by helping to organize the tailgate.
Scott Whitehead
Director of Underwriting and Production
at Markel
Scott Whitehead
Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA
Family: Wife – Kate, Children – Ellie and James
Hobbies: Snow skiing, Boating, Water sports, and Watching live music
How did you get involved with Sportable? When you find a local team of wonderful people who are obsessed with helping children, adults and veterans improve their lives through sports, how do you not fall in love with it?
Scott Zaremba
at Community Volunteer
Scott Zaremba
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Family: Children – Zack and Hale, Dog – Oreo
Hobbies: Live music, reading, watching sports, breweries and wineries
How did you get involved with Sportable? A current board member introduced me to the Sportable Tailgate several years ago and I haven’t missed one since. I also oversee Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation, a Sportable partner, as part of my portfolio of County departments.