Leveling the Field

For all Students

Projects: What we do

Coaching & Sports Equipment

Many of us are playing sports at our high schools, and we’d like to pass on the knowledge and experience we have to other students interested in playing sports in high school. We also collect donations of new and gently used sports gear from individuals, teams, and schools, then sort and redistribute it through trusted local community partners.

Tutoring Support

We will offer peer-to-peer tutoring in partnership with local community centers, helping younger students with academics. As high schoolers, we don’t pretend to be experts, but we show up consistently to offer support, encouragement, and help where we can. It’s about more than homework, it’s about being present and building connection, both in and out of the classroom

Peer to Peer Mentorship

We’re building mentorship into everything we do, from sports to academics, by showing up and encouraging younger students to believe in themselves. As high schoolers, and having been mentored by older students ourselves - we know how powerful it can be to have someone just a step ahead helping you along the way. We want to be a steady, positive presence for students who may not always have it.

Our Purpose

Why we’re doing this

Leveling the Field started because we saw things happening in our communities that didn't feel right. From families facing uncertainty and fear to students lacking access to opportunities, support, and resources, we often felt frustrated and unsure how we could make a real difference.

As high school students, it can sometimes feel like the problems around us are too big to solve. So we decided to start with something we knew: helping other students.

We believe every student deserves the chance to feel supported, confident, and like they belong. Whether that's through sports, tutoring, mentorship, community service, or simply connecting students with other students, our goal is to help create more opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and succeed.

At its core, Leveling the Field is about students helping students. We hope to build a community where young people support one another, create meaningful connections across different communities, and help make opportunities feel more accessible for everyone.

Helping Students Belong

We started Leveling the Field because we believe that talent and potential are everywhere, but opportunities and support are not always equally accessible. As students, we've seen how much of a difference it can make when someone just a few years older takes the time to encourage you, answer your questions, or help you believe you belong. Those moments can change how you see yourself and what you think is possible.

Whether it's through sports, academics, or mentorship, we want to help create opportunities for younger students to build confidence, develop resilience, and feel supported as they take on new challenges.

We believe that when students help other students, everyone benefits. Younger students gain encouragement and guidance, while mentors develop leadership, empathy, and a deeper connection to their community.

Our Team

  • Keyo Ryang

    Co-Founder

    When I was younger, I spent a lot of time playing sports and being part of teams in SF. One memory that has always stayed with me is seeing local kids in Sunnydale watching from outside the fence while we practiced and played. Looking back, what stood out wasn't the game itself, it was the feeling that they didn't think they belonged there, even though they lived right next to the field.

    As I've gotten older, I've realized that this happens in many different parts of life. Some students grow up close to opportunities and resources, but still feel disconnected from them or unsure whether those spaces are really meant for them. Sometimes what people need most isn't just access, it's encouragement, support, and someone who helps them believe they belong.

    Being part of teams and communities has taught me the value of connection, confidence, and looking out for others. It has shown me how much of a difference it can make when someone takes the time to include you, support you, or help you take that first step.

    That's why we started Leveling the Field. We want to help create more opportunities for students to support one another through mentorship, tutoring, service, and shared experiences.

  • Brady Fitzpatrick

    Co-Founder

    From a young age, I was always around little league. My family was super involved, and my dad coached a bunch of local teams. I was able to help coach some of them with him. That’s where I first noticed something that stood out to me, not every kid had what they needed to participate. Some showed up without cleats or shin guards, or with baseball gloves that wouldn’t even open, or old bats that were barely usable.

    That’s what Leveling the Field is all about. We’re working to make sure that no kid is left on the sidelines because of what they don’t have. Whether it’s gear, tutoring, or encouragement, we want to offer the kind of support that helps every student feel included and empowered to step up, join in, and thrive.

    Our goal is simple: to help more students feel connected, supported, and confident enough to pursue opportunities they might not otherwise believe are for them.

“ Leveling the Field provided coaching and mentorship to our young team members building their overall confidence. Seeing them learn from other kids a few years older and helping them with batting, pitching and strategy has been great. Its been rewarding to watch our players grow in confidence with the guidance they’ve learned from them ”

— L.D. Parent of a 7th Grade SF team.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
team@levelingthefieldproject.org