The Open Field Foundation was created with one goal: make sports accessible to every young person, regardless of their financial background.
Founded in 2025 by a group of passionate student-athletes, we understand what it means to be part of a team. Sports provide more than physical fitness—they build discipline, confidence, friendships, and future opportunities.
Oliver Shahwan connected with a small group of friends to put an idea on paper after realizing the costs of sports is taxing. Oliver has had the privilege of sports in his life and feels everybody should have equal opportunities to be a part of a larger team.
Lucas Deatherage has been committed to bringing sports to his community since he started his high school football career. Being a part of the football team has not only taught him valuable lessons, but has introduced him to new people and mentors
Soren Hembre helped found the Open Field Foundation in 2025 and is currently a co-vice president. Soren is a student athlete and has seen and experienced firsthand the positive impact that playing team sports has on young people, which led him to become part of the foundation.
Deb Becker has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including 18 years as a Human Resources executive. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion and advocacy, serving as Chair of the EnAble Employee Resource Group supporting people with disabilities and caregivers. Deb also contributes her expertise and passion for empowerment as a board member of ICAN.
Kate Howe is the Executive Director of Indy Hunger Network, a coalition of organizations working to improve food security in the Greater Indianapolis area through collaboration on programs, advocacy, and research. Kate has a Ph.D. in Biology and previously worked for The Nature Conservancy and Purdue University leading another coalition called the Midwest Invasive Plant Network. She also serves on the boards of Bread for the World and Indiana Justice Project.
Amy Green is the CHRO of Beckman Coulter Life Sciences (BecLS). She has spent the past 20 years of her career developing People and Talent strategies that directly impact business outcomes. Amy earned a BBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and her MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Amy is passionate about people development and building effective and resilient teams.
Our goal is to reach 1000 kids by the end of 2026
Even a small donation can buy a pair of cleats or provide snacks for a week.