ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Meet The Haywoods—and Their Starting 5

More Than Ballers Foundation was born out of the Haywood family’s love for the game and their refusal to accept the broken culture surrounding youth sports. Margie and Jeffrey, along with their five children—affectionately known as their “Starting 5”—have lived every role in the sports ecosystem: players, parents, coaches, and mentors.

Margie’s Story:

Character First, Fundamentals Always

Margie fell in love with sports as a child and still plays today. Margie is both a life encouragement coach and sports coach. She loves using sports as a fun way to teach real life lessons and skills. She is currently her kids’ first and favorite coach and often coaches her husband and cheers on his teammates, teaching them that true greatness comes not from highlight reels but from humility, discipline, and character.

Her philosophy is simple: "Character first, fundamentals always. Defense is more than a game strategy—it’s a life skill: taking responsibility, anticipating challenges, and protecting what matters most." -MH

Jeffrey Sr’s Story: Defense Wins in Games and Real Life

Jeffrey fell in love with basketball and football as a kid but lacked mentorship and opportunities to grow outside of what was familiar in his neighborhood. Too often, he looked into the stands and saw no one there. Access to sports fees, equipment and gear, encouragement and character building life skills was missing, his poor choices cost him a chance at a college and professional career.

He made a promise to interrupt the generational cycle: his kids would never feel that same emptiness. Today, Jeffrey still plays competitively, and coaches defense and fundamentals. He has become the presence he once longed for—standing in the gap for kids who need someone in their corner.

Jeffrey Jr.’s Story: The Miracle That Inspired a Movement

Jeffrey Jr., one of the co-founders, is the reason More Than Ballers came alive. After a tragic 30-foot fall with his brother, he survived life-threatening injuries—a broken back, traumatic brain bleed, punctured stomach, shattered knee—and was placed on life support. Doctors said he would never walk, talk, or play sports again.

But through faith, grit, and relentless recovery, he defied every prediction and is now noticed by D1 and top-ranked high schools. Despite his injuries, he developed a work ethic that inspires everyone around him.

Why the Haywoods cry when they watch him play: it isn’t about points or trophies—it’s about humility, resilience, and God’s grace. Jeffrey Jr. credits Jesus, his parents, and sports as his therapy and foundation.

“My mom is my first and favorite coach. She inspires me and my teammates to lead with character.”

“My dad models the game for me with love and challenges me to grow without pressure.”

Sports became his classroom for life—teaching him resilience, leadership, and faith. Today, he is a confident leader, mentor, and volunteer who shows other athletes that limitations are not barriers—they are reminders of God’s strength.

A Family on a Mission

Every member of the Haywood family plays sports, but their real victory is off the court. They know what’s at stake: kids being lost to the streets, wasted potential, and broken communities. Through More Than Ballers, they’ve transformed their own challenges into a movement of hope, faith, and character. They know firsthand how critical it is to surround kids with consistent love, discipline, and access—and they want every athlete, parent, and coach to feel that same support.

Fueled by both their passion and frustration with a failing system and hope for a better future, they launched More Than Ballers Foundation—a movement to restore sports to their true purpose: building strong character, healthy families, and leaders who serve on and off the court.

“Fundamentals first, character always.” – Margie

“I know what it feels like to look in the stands and see no one there. No kid should ever feel that way.” – Jeffrey Sr.

“My limitations aren’t barriers—they’re reminders. Sports test my faith and sharpen my character.” – Jeffrey Jr.

A Family on a Mission

Every member of the Haywood family plays sports, but their real victory is off the court. They know what’s at stake: kids being lost to the streets, wasted potential, and broken communities. Through More Than Ballers, they’ve transformed their own challenges into a movement of hope, faith, and character. They know firsthand how critical it is to surround kids with consistent love, discipline, and access—and they want every athlete, parent, and coach to feel that same support.

Fueled by both their passion and frustration with a failing system and hope for a better future, they launched More Than Ballers Foundation—a movement to restore sports to their true purpose: building strong character, healthy families, and leaders who serve on and off the court.