About Us

Haley Bell is the Vice President of Development. Haley officially joined the Kids, Inc. team in 2024, bringing with her over 30 years of experience as a player, coach, donor, and volunteer within the organization. In her role, Haley oversees the strategic planning and execution of fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and activities to support the mission of Kids, Inc. Haley is passionate about the impact youth sports have on children, extending far beyond the game itself. She finds joy in the people and rich history of Kids, Inc., as well as the strong connections it fosters within the community. With soccer being her favorite sport, Haley believes that Kids, Inc. offers a wide range of sports programs designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and character development in a supportive and inclusive community environment.

Angelica Darnell holds the position of Dugger Sportsplex Office Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2023 and helps with customer service at the Sportsplex. Angelica chose to work at Kids, Inc. because she loves what the organization stands for and enjoys the community around her. She has participated as a player with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Soccer. Angelica believes that Kids, Inc. supports the community of Amarillo.

Kelsie Finch holds the position of Assistant Director of Programs at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2018 and oversees different aspects of programming and team formation. Kelsie chose to work at Kids, Inc. because she can use her education to ensure that the organization will serve participants in the best way possible. Her favorite sport offered is Coach Pitch.

Stacy Knight holds the position of Vice President Operations at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2014 and assists the management team in overseeing the many day-to-day operations and processes for all four of the locations that Kids, Inc. operates. Stacy chose Kids, Inc. because the mission of the organization is dear to her heart. There are not many communities that can say they offer quality programs for all children that are centered on participation rather than based solely on performance. Serving others is always at the top of her to do list. She believes it is a blessing to be able to have a career with an organization that continues to widen its vision and scope to fulfill the needs of so many and is amazed everyday by the staff's servant hearts, dedication, and integrity to do what is right for all children. She has coached for Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Track. Stacy believes that Kids, Inc. gives kids the opportunity to find the sports they are good at while boosting their self-confidence and allowing them to form lasting friendships. The benefits of a child playing goes far beyond just playing the sport!

It’s all about the team!

 

I grew up a coach’s kid. Sports have always been part of my life. In sports, or life in general, the most successful people I know surrounded themselves with great teammates. The team roster at Kids, Incorporated consists of dedicated individuals with varying skills, roles, and responsibilities.

First and foremost are parents who allow their children to participate in our sports programs. They are our primary customer.

Our team continues with one of the largest volunteer networks anywhere. We are fortunate to have thousands of individuals who serve as coaches, assistant coaches, scorekeepers, and team parents each year. Rounding out the volunteer lineup includes our Board of Directors.

Officiating sports is a dying art. We must find a way to encourage and support game officials. I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Parents, coaches, and fans have made it rough on officials. We must do better!

Officials work in concert with our coaches and staff to create a safe environment on the field or court. Collectively, we must turn the corner and suppress the rhetoric towards game officials. It’s simply a matter of putting things in perspective.

Youth sports is a tough business. Our professional staff is here to guide the ship on a daily basis. I can’t say enough about the job they do. We serve a very diverse audience. Recruiting and retaining quality coaches and officials are the most important roles for our staff.

I have seen firsthand the ups and downs of team success. The Kids, Incorporated team described above achieves its greatest success when all members of the team work together. I think we can all agree that our primary focus should always be “doing what’s best for kids”. Not my kid, or your kid, but ALL kids!

Thank you for making Kids, Incorporated one of the premiere home-grown youth sports organizations anywhere.

Gratefully,

 

Jimmy R. Lackey
President & CEO

Jimmy Lackey has served as the President & CEO for Kids, Incorporated since 1995.

Jeanette Ruvalcba holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. and speaks both English and Spanish. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and helps to make sure every child gets placed on a team and gets the chance to play sports no matter the circumstance. She forms teams for Caprock High School Cluster, Bowie, Sanborn, Humphrey's Highland, Sunrise, Oakdale, Lawndale, Glenwood, Tradewind, Fannin, Landergin, Southlawn, and Lamar. Jeanette chose Kids, Inc. because she loves that Kids, Inc. takes care of the kids in the community and enjoys being a part in making a difference one child at a time. She believes it is truly rewarding to see every kid’s excitement as they join and play sports. She has coached a sport with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Soccer. Jeanette believes that with Kids, Inc. every child gets a chance to be great and that no matter where a child comes from they will make lifelong friends and have a blast.

Maddie Sanchez holds the position of Program Assistant at Kids, Inc. She has been with Kids, Inc. since 2022 and helps in placing kids on teams and gathering up coaches for sports. She forms teams for Amarillo High cluster, Bushland, Vega, Private Schools, and Daycares. Maddie chose Kids, Inc. because she loves their vision and the willingness to go all out for these kids to get to play sports. She loves the community of coaches, players and staff. She has both played and coached with Kids, Inc. and her favorite sport offered is Track. Maddie believes that with Kids, Inc. the goal isn't to win the game; the goal is for kids to get to learn and play the sports they love.