Our Volunteers
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Dave Buck
Meet David Buck, a City Of Philadelphia's Office of Violence Prevention Case Manager who is a passionate and dedicated individual hailing from the vibrant city of Philadelphia. Born and raised in the heart of the city, he embodies resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Dave is not just a basketball enthusiast; he is a beacon of hope, bridging the world of sports with social services to uplift the homeless community in Philadelphia. He continues to inspire and uplift his community, reminding us all of the transformative power of compassion, sportsmanship, and the determination to make a difference. His story serves as a testament to the extraordinary impact one person can have when they combine their passion with purpose, bridging the divide and creating a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone |
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Emily Church
Emily is a current post-baccalaureate student at UPenn studying the role of microglia in disease. The only thing Emily loves as much as neuroscience is basketball. Before moving to Philly in 2023, she graduated from Pomona College where she was a captain and four year starter for the varsity women’s basketball team. Emily is excited she is able to stay a part of the basketball community with Hoops4Hope! |
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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. |
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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. |
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Patrick McNeil
Patrick works at the Homeless Advocacy Project, providing direct representation on Social Security Disability claims. Before that, he was a case manager with Resources for Human Development in the shelters of Philadelphia. Patrick is a believer in social justice, community, and the Philadelphia Phillies. |
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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. |
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Srikar Muppidi
Srikar is an undergraduate at UPenn studying Neuroscience. He is an avid basketball fan and has worked extensively with individuals experiencing homelessness both in and out of clinical settings. Srikar joined Hoops4Hope hoping to use his favorite sport as a tool to achieve better health outcomes for patient populations experiencing homelessness. |
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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. |
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Rishi Patel
Rishi is an undergraduate at UPenn studying Biochemistry. Outside of school he volunteers at a free clinic and does blood pressure screenings at shelters in Center City. He's excited to be working with Hoops4Hope to promote physical fitness and health for all |
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Mary Porth
Mary Porth is a resident of Havertown, a wife, mother, grandmother, and elementary school teacher. She says volunteering at Hoops 4 Hope is a highlight in her schedule. She hands out pizza, pretzels, and protein bars, and cheers the men on. She values every interaction, including “Hey, momma”, “I appreciate you,” and “Yeah, I’m a client at the shelter, but hopefully not for long.” A good friend of hers, Jesuit Father Dennis McNally, once said, “Life is complicated. Love really is not.” She recognizes that the men of Hoops 4 Hope lead complicated lives, but has the greatest respect and affection for each one of them. |
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Sai Sarnala
Sai is an undergraduate at UPenn studying Biochemistry on the premed track. As a lifelong hooper, he has seen how basketball can promote healthy living and cultivate tight-knit communities. He is excited to volunteer with H4H to help uplift the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia through the sport he loves. |
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Claire Stanley
Claire is a case manager at Bethesda Project, where she began working as a Jesuit Volunteer. Since moving to Philadelphia in 2022, she has been involved with local housing and development movements, including Save the UC Townhomes and No Arena in Chinatown Solidarity. While studying at Marquette University, Claire worked with various nonprofits and political campaigns to advance social justice. When she's not volunteering for H4H, you can find Claire biking on the Schuylkill River Trail or browsing through vintage shops on South Street. |
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Sridatta Teerdhala
Sridatta is an undergraduate at UPenn studying biology and finance. He’s passionate about healthcare, basketball/fitness, and community service and is excited to be part of Hoops4Hope |
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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. |