We are LOREN and ZOE STAVROU and we ask that you join us and the Hellas National Softball Team on our 4-year journey to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. We cannot do it without your help!
we urge you to support us and our fellow teammates in overcoming financial hurdles so that we can compete in the 2024 Women's and U-22 European Championships and Canada Cup this coming summer.
Your contribution to our personal $6,000 goal will enable us to represent Greece with pride and passion on the international stage of softball at two international tournaments, and get us one step closer to qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Thank you in advance for your support!
LOREN STAVROU Pitcher - Fairleigh Dickinson 2016
ZOE STAVROU 2B/ 3B - North Dakota State 2019
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Greece: Levadia
A Real Greek Odyssey:
Embark on an epic Greek adventure alongside the esteemed Hellas National Softball Team as we set sail on a quest to secure a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games . Similar to the legendary exploits of Odysseus in Homer's timeless tale, these dedicated athletes are fueled by their deep connection to their Greek heritage and unwavering commitment to represent their homeland on the world stage at the pinnacle of athletic competition - the Olympic Games .
Hellas National Softball Team (HNST) is the official softball program of Greece sanctioned by the Hellenic Baseball and Softball Federation (HBSF). Most of the Greek softball players live in North America and are highly competitive college athletes at top universities. In order to compete for Greece, these formidable Greek athletes delved into their ancestral roots, traced their family histories and obtained Greek citizenship to proudly don the blue and white colors of Greece. Greek athletes from the United States, Canada, and Greece will showcase their exceptional softball skills in European competitions and in doing so, will elevate Greece to prominence in the sport of softball.
Why your support is needed:
We simply CAN NOT compete without your donations. It will cost $111,000 (which does NOT include airfare) to offset the expenses for coaches and athletes to compete in Poland, the Netherlands, and Canada in 2024.
Without your help, each player will be required to pay $1,500 for each competition ($4,500 for 3 competitions) which will prohibit many of these elite softball players from representing Greece on the world stage of softball. Furthermore, our three elite coaches are volunteers and it will cost $5,000 per coach for each tournament to cover travel, transportation, housing, and meals.
HNST also needs to raise an additional $35,000 for one-time expenses or receive in-kind donations for new, elite competition essentials such as 3 sets of uniforms, helmets, bags, and cleats for 30 players. These items will be used through the Olympic qualifiers in 2027.
Thanks to an annual grant of approximately 12,000€/$13,000 from the Greek Government, our WBSC Europe membership fees and some administrative expenses are covered.
Why your support will make an impact:
We need heroes like you on our 4-year journey to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. By making a donation to HNST, you are joining our courageous journey to overcome financial obstacles and thus inspiring a generation of Greek female athletes with your compassion and determination to see us succeed on the world stage of softball. Every dollar you give strengthens our conviction because we are competing not only for Greece, but for everyone who makes it possible for us to compete in the 2024 Women's and U-22 European Championships and Canada Cup this coming summer!
How you can help:
We need YOU to help us write the next chapter of Greek sporting glory! Join us on this extraordinary journey by supporting the HNST i n the following ways:
- Click DONATE and contribute to our campaign
- Fulfill a WISH that will impact the entire team.
- Donate to a SPECIFIC ATHLETE by clicking the "Fundraisers" tab above.
- SHARE OUR FUNDRAZR with people you know
What you will receive for your donation:
Wishes
Highlights
See all activity11We have an amazing organization!
The Hellas National Softball Team (HNST) is the official softball program of Greece and is sanctioned by the Hellenic Baseball and Softball Federation (HBSF) . As the authoritative governing body for softball, baseball, and Baseball5 in Greece, the HBSF holds membership in the WBSC Europe and the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
GREEK FEMALE ATHLETES
HNST is comprised of Greek female athletes competing at the highest level who have Greek citizenship and reside in the United States, Canada, and Greece. Most of the Greek softball players live in North America and are highly competitive college athletes at top universities. In order to compete for Greece, these formidable Greek athletes delved into their ancestral roots, traced their family histories and obtained Greek citizenship to proudly don the blue and white colors of Greece.
COACHING STAFF
The HNST welcomed new Head Coach Jay Nelson to the Hellas National Softball Program in the fall of 2023. Coach Jay retired as head coach of Rutgers University in 2018, and brings over 20 years of experience as an NCAA Division I coach. His decision to come out of retirement to coach Hellas Softball was fueled by his love of Greece and Greek culture, and the challenge to lead HNST to earn a spot in the 2028 Olympic Games.
The HNST also welcomed Assistant Coach Misty Jenkins and Assistant Coach Laurie Markatos to the program!
To learn more about us, check us out at GREEKSOFTBALL.GR/EN.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does HNST 501 non-profit status?
We have applied for non-profit status and expect to be approved in June 2024.
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Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes - All contributions will receive a tax receipt via email in June, once our non-profit status is approved.
- Does HNST receive funding from the Greek government?
Yes - The Greek Government provides an annual grant of approximately 12,000€/$13k which covers essential expenses such as WBSC Europe membership fees and tournament fees.
- Why does HNST need donations?
HNST needs to raise $35,000 for one-time expenses which include new, elite competition essentials such as 3 sets of uniforms, helmets, bags, and cleats for 30 players. These items will be used through the Olympic qualifiers in 2027 . In-kind donations are also welcomed.
HNST needs to raise an additional $111,000 to offset the expenses for coaches and players for three international tournaments in 2024 . Athletes must pay for their own airfare and it costs an additional $1,500 per player for each tournament to cover housing and meals. Our three elite coaches are volunteers and it costs $5,000 per coach for each tournament to cover travel, transportation, housing, and meals.
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What level are the athletes selected to play for the HNST?
The athletes selected are competing at the highest level in their age category. NCAA D1, D2, and D3 athletes, as well as high school aged players competing on travel teams make up the majority of the team.
- Do all of the athletes have Greek citizenship?
Each players is either an official citizen of Greece and holds a Greek passport, or is in the process of being approved for citizenship.
- Is Greek citizenship required to play for HNST?
Yes - Greek citizenship is required to compete in WBSC Europe sanctioned competitions.
Do you have an official web site?
Yes - greeksoftball.gr
- Who do I contact if I have a question about this fundraiser?
Chrysi Polydoros - HNSTFundraising & Marketing Commission
