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100% VOLUNTEER · ALL IN FOR THE KIDS
Meet Our
Coaches
Every single person on this staff is a volunteer. They show up on weeknights and weekends because they genuinely love this game and the kids who play it. Get to know the people behind Valley Suns.
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
The people running the program.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jeff Arey
Jeff founded Valley Suns in 2022 with one goal in mind: build a program that develops young athletes on and off the court. What started as a vision has grown into one of the Shenandoah Valley's premier youth basketball programs, with teams across multiple grade levels and a community of families who have made it their home.
Outside of Valley Suns, Jeff is the head coach at Wilson Middle School and a Financial Advisor with Cornerstone Wealth Advisor Group. He and his wife Abby, a local school principal, have been involved in youth development across the region for over 20 years.
VICE CHAIRMAN · DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Dr. D. Gregory Harris
Dr. Harris helps guide Valley Suns from the top down, overseeing the organization's strategic direction and day-to-day operations. With a background in education and leadership, he brings a structured, thoughtful approach to everything the program does.
Beyond the boardroom, Dr. Harris is on the court as head coach of the 6th Grade Boys team and assistant coach for the 9th Grade Boys. His belief that basketball is a vehicle for character development shows in everything he does with his players.
COACHING STAFF
Our coaches. All volunteer. All in.
VALLEY SUNS
Board of Directors
Leslie Harris
Treasurer
Donya Saunders
Secretary
Jody Sipe
Vice President of Marketing & Media
Kyle Simmons
VP of Fundraising, Sponsorships & Travel
Beth Brafford
Executive Board Representative
Nicole Mickens
VP of Brand Marketing & Engagement
Stephanie Ballew
Vice President of Character & Culture
Monica Snead
Executive Board Representative
100% VOLUNTEER LED
Nobody here
gets a paycheck.
Every coach on this staff volunteers their time. They give up evenings and weekends because they genuinely believe in what Valley Suns is doing for kids in this community.
That is not something you find everywhere. And it is something we are really proud of.
Your logo on team jerseys
Kids wear them all season at games and tournaments
Featured on our website
Your business listed on our dedicated sponsors page
Shoutouts on social media
We recognize our sponsors throughout the season
Every dollar goes to the kids
No salaries. No overhead. Just the program.