Our Volunteers

​Gerald Evariste
​Gerald has recently graduated Chestnut Hill College with an MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Gerald was an instrumental part of the success of last year's Hoops 4 Hope season. Gerald is currently employed with RHD FaSST/Connections as a Targeted Case Manager. Favorite pastimes are playing sports, painting, cooking and exercising.
​Nick Hutchinson
Nick is a lifelong resident of Philadelphia and is working as a supervisor for a new housing program in the city. He is currently enrolled at Temple University in hopes of obtaining his Master's of Social Work degree. Nick has been working in the social services field since 2016 and intends to pursue this line of work for years to come. He enjoys watching all sports and is a passionate fan of all Philadelphia sports teams. His free time is spent with friends and family participating activities such as sports, hiking, reading, and playing with his dog.
​Sharodd Gardner
​Sharodd graduated from Youth Build Charter in Philadelphia and currently works as a residential aide in the city. He is pursuing his peer specialist certification and hopes to one day help someone change their life. He enjoys being a positive influence in people's lives and aspires to continue to do so. He focuses his efforts on individuals’ suffering from the horrors of addiction. When Sharodd isn't working he's typically spending time with his family or watching sports. 
​Danielle Lagomarsino
Danielle is a Philadelphia resident who recently joined Hoops 4 Hope through her friendship with Dia, a board member. Danielle recently graduated from Manor College with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration, but has been working in the Philly court system for close to three years, with hopes of going to law school next year. When she's not working, Danielle enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and going to any Philly sports team events, especially 76ers games. Danielle also volunteers with CASA, an organization that advocates for children in the foster care system. Danielle also enjoys helping people, especially children and those struggling with mental illness.
​Alex Mercer
As a lifelong basketball fan and resident of the Philadelphia area, Alex was drawn to Hoops 4 Hope's mission and began volunteering with the organization in 2020. After graduating from UMass Amherst in 2015, he began his career in the sport & entertainment industry, specializing in sponsorships. When he's not working, Alex enjoys following the Philadelphia & UMass sports teams, spending time with family and friends, hiking, and fishing. 
​​Ian Murray
Ian has been officiating basketball in the Philadelphia area for 8 years. He joined Hoops 4 Hope when asked by long time friend Leo Porth to join before the 2nd season. Ian is a corporate recruiter and resides in Delaware County.
Erick Woods
A graduate of St. Joseph’s University where he was a member of the basketball team, Erick is a fixture in the Philadelphia basketball community with extensive experience coaching at the high school and college level with stints at Roman Catholic, Penn Wood, Imhotep, and Widener University.  

Erick also currently serves as the Associate Campus Minister for Ignatian Service at St. Joseph's Prep.  A career coach and mentor, Erick also gives back to the Philadelphia Basketball Community as the Head Coach of Philadelphia Youth Basketball’s Collegiate Summer Camp Series.