Our Team
Vida Sports Ministry - Team USA - Board of Directors
Steve Pettit
President
Steve Pettit served as pastor, church planter, and leadership mentor. He and his wife Sherrie enjoy preparing couples for marriage in Bradenton, FL and have owned businesses in Virginia, Pennsylvania and now Florida. Steve received his M.Div. from Capital Bible Seminary in Washington, D.C., before pastoring a church in Rockville, Maryland for 21 years. He has worked as a global strategist for 17 years in the Lynchburg, VA area. Steve has served as a Board Member with Sports Outreach Institute, Big World Project, Freedom 4/24 and Proven Men Ministries. Steve enjoys fishing, golf, pickleball and writing. Steve and Sherrie enjoy life by their pool, walks on the beach and trips to visit their grandchildren. Steve presently serves as an elder at CrossPointe Fellowship Church on Holmes Beach, Fl and as ministry Chaplain for SOI. He and his wife of 46 years have four children and seventeen grandchildren. “My heart’s passion is to reach streetkids for Jesus Christ. I feel deeply honored to serve as mission developer for Vida Sports Ministry.”
Zack Long
Project Developer
Zack Long lives in Bradenton, FL with his wife of 14 years and their five wonderful children- Jackson, Estella, Carson, Judah and Vin. Zack has a long history and connection with sports. He played basketball at Lancaster Bible College and graduated with a degree in Sports Management. Following college, he was hired by his alma mater as assistant basketball coach and sports information director. He also worked for the Lancaster Barnstormers, an independent league baseball team, while working through his masters in Sports Management. Feeling a strong call from the Lord to step away from the sports realm for a period of time, he joined his brother-in-law in running Solid Rock Construction Group. Over his eleven years with the company, he has helped to grow it from a small family business into a multi-service company serving all of West Florida. Zack has returned to the sports world, coaching his kid’s local soccer and flag football teams while launching a girls basketball program at Inspiration Academy. He looks forward to seeing how God leads him as he pursues the calling of sports missions. Fueled by his love for Jesus, his passion for sports and partnership with Vida sports, Zack hopes to mentor young men toward becoming more like Jesus Christ.
Matt Darak
Financial Overseer
Matt Darak is a seasoned leader in Risk Management and Financial Services with over 15 years of experience in banking and management consulting. He and his wife Nicole, married for 19 years, are avid real estate investors who own and operate a property management business together. They enjoy spending family time with their four children and coaching youth sports teams at the local Sports Center. Matt is a graduate of West Point Military Academy and served in the Army as an Intelligence Officer, including a combat deployment to Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He currently serves as an elder at CrossPointe Fellowship Church in Holmes Beach, FL, and as the Treasurer for Vida Sports Ministry. Driven by his deep love for Christ, Matt's goal is to make a profound impact for God's kingdom. His passion for faith inspires him to use sports as a powerful tool to connect with individuals, foster community, and share the message of God's love and grace. Through Vida Sports Ministry, Matt aims to inspire and empower others to grow in their faith, live out their purpose, and contribute to the greater good of God's kingdom.
Gregg Bodnar
Business Plan Developer
Gregg has been married to his wife Bethany for 20 years and they have three amazing children. As a family, they enjoy travelling, new adventures, water sports and boating. Professionally, Gregg has over 25 years of executive level financial management, investor relations, business development and operations experience with large publicly traded retail companies such as ULTA Beauty and Borders Books & Music. He has spent most of his career managing and leading companies during high growth cycles. Gregg’s experience also includes international operations, supply chain management, information technology, real estate and franchise development and operations. He has worked on various business acquisitions and integrations, as well as equity security offerings, including both IPO’s and secondary offerings. Now retired, Gregg’s philanthropic spirit and heart for the marginalized has led him to play an integral role in starting several nonprofits, ranging from homeless shelters to creating business solutions for funding church plants. His love and thankfulness to Christ compels him to help those in need. Gregg is honored and excited to serve as a board member for Vida Sports Ministry.
Jordan Hood
Social Media Specialist/Website Developer
Jordan Hood is a follower of Christ and servant leader. Jordan and his wife Briana have been married for ten years and have four wonderful children. Jordan is honored to bring over 14 years of experience in technology, marketing, and advertising to Vida Sports Ministry. Professionally, Jordan serves as Director of Development at a growing technology company, where he’s honored to lead a talented development team. Jordan has previously served as a Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnership, Technical Project Manager, Certified Scrum Master, and IT/Support Specialist. Jordan’s cross-functional approach to problem-solving aims to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges. Jordan is also honored to teach Computer Science to middle and high school students at a local co-op. Jordan and Briana are actively involved in youth ministry at their local church. They are passionate about glorifying God, living out the Great Commission, serving others, and growing together as disciples of Christ. Beyond ministry and profession, Jordan loves spending time with his family, exploring interests in apologetics and archeology, and engaging in action packed activities like skimboarding, surfing, and autocross. Jordan and his family also actively participate in sports at a local community center, where Jordan has also had the privilege of coaching some of the youth teams. Jordan is excited to bring his skills and passion to Vida Sports Ministry, where he looks forward to serving The Lord and making a difference in the lives of all involved.
Trevor Krauss
Publications Director
Trevor is a humble servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He and his wife, Annmarie strive to leverage the many blessings God has given them and their three children into local ministry and service to others. Trevor's degree in Mass Communications has given him insights and skills in creating visual media to tell stories to a variety of audiences. His musical gifts are used to serve on the worship team at his church. While Trevor lacks missionary experience, he hopes to use his skills in media production as well as his desire to follow God's Will to spread the Gospel in India and across the world.
Vida Sports Ministry - Team USA - Board of Operations
Sherrie
VSM Team Coordinator
Sherrie has been married to her high school sweetheart for 47 years. Sherrie and Steve have 4 children and 17 grandchildren. Sherrie is a devoted Christian, having been saved at an early age, and is passionate about knowing Jesus. She finds great joy in homemaking and has always been 'happy at home.' She loves thrifting, painting, sewing, cooking and even simple household tasks. As a pastor's wife for 3 decades, Sherrie cherished helping young moms recognize their value in creating a loving, Christ-centered, globally minded home where everyone feels welcomed and challenged to advance God’s Kingdom mission. “Knowing there are children who have never known the security of a safe home where they are loved and cared for is a truly heart- breaking reality. That’s why I’m glad to come alongside VIDA Sports Ministry. I hope to inspire, encourage and assist a great team of women who are working to help bring rescue to precious children who are alone, fearful, and suffering the tragic outcomes of extreme poverty.”
Evelyn
Travel Specialist
Evelyn Long is thrilled to be serving with Vida Sports. She and her husband Zack have been married for 15 years and are parents to five beautiful children. Evelyn has been involved in athletics her entire life and loves the opportunity to glorify the Lord through athletic disciplines. At Clearwater Christian College she was a three time All-American and a three time NCCAA National Champion in volleyball. She went on to coach volleyball at the Club, High School and then Collegiate Level. More than teaching players the game of volleyball Evelyn believes in teaching players to be more like Jesus above all else. She defines success as the total release of all that you are, toward becoming like Jesus Christ in each situation. In sport, God has given the abilities we have and empowered us to play. Everything we do should be to the glory and honor of God. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Evelyn looks forward to seeing Vida Sports Ministry impact others for the Kingdom through the sport of soccer. Having participated in and led several sport mission trips, she looks forward to aiding Nicole Darak as a VSM travel specialist.
Nicole
Travel Specialist
Nicole is married to her high school sweetheart Matt. They’ve been together for 26 years and have four amazing, tenacious, athletic children. Nicole and Matt are NY natives who have moved many times with the United States Military until settling in Florida five years ago. Nicole possesses a passion for sports and is hopeful that she can use that to serve in a ministry that has Jesus and athletics at its heart. Nicole often finds herself serving in the capacities of hospitality and administration. Nicole is homeschooling their four children and guiding them to become more independent as they also learn to fully depend on God. Nicole enjoys the challenges of working with her husband in their real estate company and her interior design business which Nicole started with a good friend. Nicole serves the Lord with great enthusiasm and tender compassions. She’s a strong leader who humbly follows her Lord to the front lines and quietly gets things done behind the scenes. Nicole will fill many gaps serving on the Board of Operations for Vida Sports Ministry.
Bethany
Development and Operations
Bethany Bodnar is a devoted wife, mother, and accomplished professional. Married to her husband Gregg for over 20 years, Bethany considers her greatest achievement to be her role as a wife and mother to their three wonderful children. Bethany attended Michigan State University, where she graduated at the top of her class. After college, she embarked on a dynamic career in sales and marketing at Borders Books Inc and then Sony Pictures Entertainment. Later, Bethany decided to transition from corporate life to focus full-time on being a wife and mother. She loves spending time with their children whom they homeschool and working alongside Gregg on many philanthropic undertakings. Bethany is driven by her love of God to serve and do her best in all things. In all her endeavors, Bethany exemplifies dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her faith and family. Bethany’s primary role with Vida Sports Ministry is overseeing the development and operations of The VSM Café.
Jill
Correspondence Specialist
Jill has been married to Todd for 37 years and are recently first-time grandparents. As a sports loving family where dad and kids played soccer, football and hockey at collegiate levels and one professionally, we understand the value of sports as a bridge for leadership development, teamwork, and leaving it all on the field/ice for the sake of the team! With a career in sales and marketing, Jill also has a M.S. in Organizational Leadership degree with youth leadership as her capstone project. As Vida Sports Ministry cares for each athlete from a holistic view of helping them physically, emotionally and spiritually achieve success on and off the field, she is most excited about their leadership potential as their hearts are transformed by Jesus Christ! Jill also loves a good café’ and is looking forward to serving alongside the ladies in the Café’, enjoying Tovika’s wonderful pastries and desserts, while ministering to the needs of the many women the Lord will bring to the table!
Carla
Bookkeeping/Record Keeping Specialist
Carla Ballew and her husband Bob are blessed with the gift of service, especially for children and missions. After selling their business in 2006 they settled in Florida. Both Carla and Bob actively serve young children and the global efforts in their local church. Carla's background is in bookkeeping and accounting. Carla worked for a CPA firm in Chicago for 11 years preparing financial statements and tax returns. Carla joined a nationwide data processing firm which produced financial data for the accountants' market. These experiences helped prepare Carla to serve as a CFO for a small business. Both Carla and her husband Bob possess a philanthropic heart to assist young military service members who experienced family crisis and lack funds for emergency travel. Carla feels honored to assist Vida Sports Ministry overseeing the financials annually submitted to our CPA for additional oversight and 501c3 reporting. Using a soccer ball to build bridges of trust with streetkids is dear to Carla’s heart as she grew up in war torn Europe with two brothers who were kept off the streets by playing soccer. One brother went on to compete in international tournaments and playing soccer till he was 72. Carla & Bob's prayers are that Vida Sports Ministry would bear much fruit in reaching many children who suffer extreme poverty. Carla’s delight is bringing glory to her Father in heaven.
Keren
Fund Raising Specialist
Keren and Ben have been married 15 years and have 5 children. Keren started her career as a CPA and for the past 12 years has worked alongside her husband in real estate and vacation rental management on Anna Maria Island. As a child, Keren dreamed of being on the mission field in other countries, but God had other plans for this season of her life, and she is thankful for the mission field right in her own home and neighborhood. Keren receives the most joy and fulfillment raising her family, working with her husband and serving the Lord in church, school, community and wherever the Lord may lead. Joining the Vida Sports Ministry Team is an opportunity to grow God's kingdom globally and I’m excited to be a part of a ministry that is connecting with others through sports and food, caring for their physical well-being, and most importantly their spiritual needs as those God rescues learn the good news of the Gospel.
Vida Sports Ministry - Team India
Tovika is from Nagaland, India. She's a Pastry Chef specialized in Brazilian and European pastries and desserts. She holds an MBA degree in Human Resources. She worked in two Indian airlines for some years, and later decided to follow her passion and calling, which is to bake and empower other women through her baking training and minister to women in distress, and depression, victims of domestic violence and abuse. She often gathers women to teach them baking, read the Scriptures, pray and encourage each other. Her dream is to open a Café to employe and help other women. She's been married to Clebson, a Brazilian soccer coach, for nearly 08 years.
Sushant is from Dehradun, India. He's a soccer coach and earned his Bachelor degree in Physical Education. He's currently holds an AFC - Asian Football Confederation & AIFF - All India Football Confederation C License, and he's the current Assistant Soccer Coach of DEHRADUN CITY FC. Sushant has been coaching young players and children in the city of Dehradun, India. He's a dedicated, hardworking and responsible soccer coach. He's the sole caretaker of his mother. We are honored to have him serve with us.
Libani is a former soccer player from Manipur, India. He holds a Master of Physical Education degree and is an excellent Soccer Coach. In 2023 he left his State Manipur in Northeast due to violent tribal conflicts and moved to Bangalore to financially support his parents and extended family in Manipur. He is a serious, responsible and hardworking coach who consistently develops his coaching skills. Libani is a strong believer in Christ and a great spiritual mentor to athletes of all ages.
CDS
Soccer Coach
He is a Brazilian "A" licensed professional soccer coach, with 15 years of experience, certified by the SINTREFUTRJ - Brazil - Union of Professional Football Coaches of Rio de Janeiro since 2009, and the AFC - Asian Football Confederation since 2018. He has coached in countries of South America and Asia, designing and providing world class soccer training programs and consultancy to professional clubs, schools and colleges, Govt. sports academies and private academies as well, and to several other sports businesses. He has given courses for the formation of new coaches in different countries, providing his classes in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages. Coach is also a public speaker and sports manager. Throughout his career his priority has been to improve the lives of the underprivileged communities. He is married to Tovika, an Indian pastry chef. They're called the Vida family.
Hom
Marketing Executive
Hom is from Assam, India. He has got his Master degree in Commerce. He's working at our office in India, taking care of the interaction with parents of our soccer students, keeping records of soccer class attendance, students' birthday celebrations, uniform kits, marketing and promotions. Hom is very skillful, dedicated and sincere in every tasks entrusted to him. He was an agnostic, but later in his adult life he gave his life to Jesus, and today he's all about God's love and grace, sharing about his walk and experience with others.
Vilika is from Nagaland, India. She holds a degree of Master in Arts - English. She loves working with children. Vilika worked in a few schools of her State. She gives tuitions to children and youth in her free time. Vilika is a believer in Christ and her aim is to keep shining the light of hope among all her students. For her, teaching was not reserved only to regular schools, she used to teach in the Sunday school of her church as well, singing and reading Bible stories with the little ones.