As a mother, I’ve spent countless hours in the bleachers watching a daughter compete in gymnastics, and two sons play soccer and basketball. My love of sports continues and I bring my background in finance to Jersey Sports Zone to help steer the financial operation. I have the reward of contributing to a youth sports endeavor and the pleasure of knowing parents and kids are enjoying those special moments online. What could be better?

I can be reached at Leslie@jerseysportszone.com

Growing up in Monmouth County, it was my dream as a kid to be a TV sportscaster. Watching the legendary Warner Wolf on WCBS-TV before ESPN, Warner was my gateway to great athletes and seeing their highlights. After starting my career behind the scenes at WCBS as an associate sports producer, I was able to get my break on-air in Ottumwa, Iowa. From there, I journeyed to Maine and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where I spent fourteen years as the sports director at the ABC affiliate.

My greatest passion during my television career was covering high school sports and developing a special and unique bond with athletes. As time went on, it was amazing to introduce an audience to future household names. Whether it was watching film with Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman or introducing Clemson fans to the player that would catch the game winning touchdown in the national championship game, it was a thrill to see kids work hard and achieve their dreams. Our banquets produced over 25 NFL players and two NBA veterans.

I was quite happy being on television every night, but realized that a change was on the horizon. People are not consuming media the same way and I wanted to shine a light on high school athletes where I grew up. Moving back to New Jersey and quitting a job that I loved was a major risk, but the athletes that I have covered taught me that it is possible to carve your own path with hard work and passion. For three years, our cameras went to countless games in the Shore Conference. Their genuine support and excitement for our product is the reason that a one man website has become a flourishing company that is ready to bring the same high level of video coverage to every part of New Jersey. The best way I can thank them is to get our cameras to as many games as possible and continue to share their talents and inspirational stories.

Growing up as the only tomboy in an all-girl family, playing any sport was my favorite pastime. By the time I reached high school my after hours were jammed with nightly practices and games, which led to numerous accolades and lifelong friendships.

In retrospect, playing sports in those formative years taught me more than I’d imagined, especially perseverance and teamwork: A trait that remained in me through college and well into my marketing and communications career. An outlook I also passed along to my three sons, who throughout their high school years became very passionate athletes and teammates, each of them receiving college offers while later two advanced even further to represent our country as an Army Ranger and an Apache helicopter pilot.

Essentially, sports participation goes beyond competition – it builds character.

Being a part of Jersey Sports Zone feels like we’re not only supporting our state’s communities, but we are also watching amateur athletes build the confidence and character needed to traverse life while acquiring the recognition they deserve. With the support of local and regional businesses, our “beyond the score” coverage captures the excitement, and in some cases heartwarming moments only high school athletes can offer – and to me, that’s the icing on the cake!

You can reach me at karen@jerseysportszone.com

I grew up in Erie, PA, where my family owned restaurants. I fell in love with sports at an early age, as my dad and uncle would sponsor the “Steelers Caravan” trip to Erie. The Steelers coaches and players came up to Erie for a day and would sign autographs and meet fans at our restaurant from 1969 through 1980. I played football in high school and competed in martial arts tournaments around the country through my mid-twenties. I feel that athletic competition and training play and integral part in building character. All three of my children competed in high school sports, and my son played on a nationally ranked soccer club, as well as in college.

I have always loved the rush of participating in (and watching) any kind of sporting event. When I was introduced to the JSZ concept, I was “all in” when the opportunity to join the team was offered. Being involved with IT for decades, I was thrilled to be able to create our JSZ website and mobile app. ‘Team’ is a great descriptor of our collective group, as each member of our team possesses a set of specific, unique talents, that has helped to make JSZ the premier high school sports resource in NJ.

I can be reached at Greg@jerseysportszone.com