About The 18th Ward

Our Mission

The 18th Ward’s mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost youth sports programs in New Orleans, where everyone is welcome regardless of race, gender, income, or neighborhood.

We created our program to address the gaps in youth sports:

Locally, less than 20% of kids in Orleans Parish are active in sports.

Nationally, less than 24% of children 6 to 17 years of age get enough physical activity. (CDC)

Due to financial barriers, children from low-income families are less likely to participate. (The Aspen Institute)

40% of teen girls do not participate in sports compared to 25% of teen boys. (Zarrett, N. Veliz, P. & Sabo, D. 2018)

Based on race/ethnicity, youth representation across the country for black athletes is 8% for youth soccer, 10% for baseball, 14% for football, and 25% for basketball. (Sports & Fitness Industry Association)

We are committed to providing low-cost sports programs. Your support allows us to eliminate barriers to participation and reinvest money back into the community by hiring and training local youth coaches.

Leadership Team

Lowrey Crews

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
lowrey.crews@the18thward.org

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Janeicia Neely

Executive Director
janeicia@the18thward.org

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Libby Bain

She’s Got Game Manager
libby.bain@the18thward.org

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Tashion Singleton

Program Manager
tashion@the18thward.org

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Orlando Primo

Program Manager
orlando@the18thward.org

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Christina Green

Operations Manager

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Lauren Hammond

Chief Operations Officer

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Dimitric Young

Development Manager

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Jonathan Rednour

Director of Soccer

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Ronald Lavigne

Program Manager
Malik Matthews

Program Manager
Richelle Peck

Program Manager
Kaelyn Bailey

Program Manager

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