TEAM
Where the Passion Begins
JO M. BRODEN
In 1981, she was 1 of the 3 women first awarded academic-athletic scholarships to the University of Notre Dame. Her work experience includes teaching & social service administrative positions, 20 years as a small business owner, 9 years as the first executive director of the local affiliate to the Alzheimer’s Association, and most recently a term on the South Bend Common Council as chair of the Health & Public Safety Committee. She continues to advocate for trauma-informed communities, climate action, equity and inclusion within institutions.
JAY FREYMILLER
Jay has worked in education and youth sports particularly in the South Bend Community since graduating from Purdue University. He works at Marquette Montessori Academy and coaches soccer at Adams High School.
CAPTAIN DAVID HERRON
Captain David Herron is a lifelong resident of South Bend. He has been a member of the South Bend Police Department since 1998. Captain Herron also serves as the Coordinator of the South Bend Police Athletic League (PAL) program, where Police Officers teach kids life learning skills through athletics. This program serves approximately 1000 youths and young adults each year
DERRICK PERRY
Derrick Perry is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who was born and raised in South Bend, IN. Derrick has worked in mental health with children and adolescents for over 10 years. Derrick is passionate about ensuring our youth can grow into productive citizens of the world.
MICHAEL POOLE
Michael Poole founded Positive Outlook over 20 years ago to create safe, inclusive and caring youth sports programming for the youth in South Bend. Positive Outlook programs include mentorship developing life skills and encouraging healthy choices. Programming includes the South Bend Breakers (basketball), summer and winter camps and in school programs (South Bend Community School Programs) for youth (boys and girls) age 8-18. Mike is a founding member of the Michiana Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA).
CLARK POWER
Clark has taught at Notre Dame since 1982. He is a thought leader in the field of in moral education and developmental psychology. He has developed Play Like a Champion’s the coach/mentor coaching curriculum which is used throughout the Michiana Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) network. Clark is one of the founding members of MARA and is actively engaged in supporting MARA’s development in the community
JIM POWER
Jim has served as Play Like a Champion's Director of Operations since 2016 following a 23-year career in finance with GE Capital. He has both an MBA and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Jim leads Play Like a Champion's A Team for Every Child initiative, partnering with youth sports leaders in underserved communities to create collaborative sports associations which provide safe and supportive programming for all children. With established associations in Chicago & South Bend, more are in the works.