Our Story

The league was established in 1997, and was created to bring a quality sports experience to children and young adults with disabilities.

A major goal of Lead the Challenge Softball is to bring the joy and camaraderie of team sports to children and young adults with disabilities. We work hard to provide the opportunity for new friendships, share the fun of competition, and get a little dirty. By doing so, it gives the parents, caregivers, and family members the opportunity to watch their child bat, run the bases, play in the field, and have a blast!

T H E   T E A M

Our Founder

Mike Black

Board of Directors

Samantha Frye

My name is Samantha Frye. I am 23 years old and have just graduated from Indiana University- Purdue University at Indianapolis in Elementary and Special Education.  I have been a part of Lead the Challenge for over 15 years.  I started as a peer player assisting players.  I then was promoted to a coach for the Smashers team for 4 years, and was then promoted to team manager.  I am now a board member and am looking forward to spreading awareness and advocating for children with disabilities as well as growing the program as a whole.  Lead the Challenge is a great program and I am very thankful to be a part of it.

Wendis Fugate

I am Wendis Fugate III, I have been a part of the Lead the Challenge Softball organization for over five years. I graduated from Indiana University in 2016. I am also a proud member of the United States Army Reserve. I enjoy working with the children and young adults of the LTC family. I have a younger brother who was a member for a short time. I started as a peer player then moved up to the coaching ranks. I am now a proud board member working hard to grow the LTC organization. I grew up in Franklin TWP little league where I had many wonderful role models. I hope to be able to enrich the lives of the children and young adults of LTC.
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Cassidy Riley

I am Cassidy Riley. I have been with LTC for over 15 years now. I started as a peer player, moved onto coaching, and then managing. I graduated from Indiana University, and I absolutely love my job as a NICU nurse. I live on the south-side with my husband , our son and daughter, and our 2 dogs. I am so excited to continue to help build and grow this program. This program gives me so much joy during the summertime. 

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Marissa Selvidge

I’ve been a part of Lead the Challenge since 8th grade and am now a manager on the Smashers. I joined Lead the Challenge after watching my cousins play as peers for many years and decided that it looked like something I wanted to do as well. I will graduate from Ball State University in the spring of 2019, with a Bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communication with a Minor in Interpersonal Relations. I am also on the Ball State Debate Team after joining during my junior year of college, and I love it. My future goal is to work with non-profit organizations that specifically help people with disabilities, especially those in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas.

Dustin Gilmer

I am a graduate of Ball State University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Telecommunications. I am very involved with the disability community, both as a career and in my personal life. I serve as the Project Manager for the Office of Disability Affairs for the City of Indianapolis. I was born and raised on the southwest side of Indianapolis, and couldn't be more proud to still call it my home. I was also born with a disability and am one of the original players who participated in Franklin Township Lead the Challenge Softball. I played for 7 years. In my free time I love watching the Colts & Pacers, meeting new people and spending time with my family.

Summer Cress

Summer has been a part of Lead the Challenge for 8 seasons! Outside of the league, Summer is pursuing a career in Secondary Special Education. I will graduate in spring of 2022. I started as a peer player and am now a coach for the Warriors team. I am so excited to be a new part of the Executive Board and can not wait to see this league grow to all it's potential.