ABOUT KELSEY’S HEROES
The Story Behind Kelsey’s Heroes
Built on love, inspired by Kelsey, and driven by a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to play.
Daniel and Andrea Watson lost their special-needs daughter, Kelsey, at an early age. It wasn’t long before they decided they would not let her memory disappear. They channeled their grief into a program designed to create opportunities for other local children and young adults with special needs.
In December 2013, Kelsey’s Heroes was born.
What began with a focus on baseball has grown into a multi-sport program serving families throughout the Coachella Valley. The program remains free to all participants, creating opportunities to play, build confidence, form friendships and be part of a team.
Our Mission
To provide children and young adults, regardless of their special needs, the opportunity to participate in sports—including America’s favorite pastimes of baseball and softball.
We believe a disability should never mean having to watch from the sidelines. Every athlete deserves the opportunity to participate, learn, compete, exercise, celebrate accomplishments and experience what it means to belong to a team.
SINCE 2013
Growing with Coachella Valley families
MULTI-SPORT
More ways to play and belong
FREE
Participation for athletes
LOCAL
Serving the Coachella Valley
From Baseball to a Community of Sports
Many people doubted that children with special needs could be taught to play baseball—much less participate on competitive teams. Kelsey’s Heroes proved otherwise.
The program has expanded into multiple divisions and sports through relationships with families and community partners including the Donald Doran family, Families of IBSO, the City of Indio, Desert Recreation District and Fantasy Springs.
Baseball · Softball · Basketball · Swimming · Bowling
Kelsey’s Heroes also participates in community experiences such as appearances with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
More Than Sports
Families can expect a program that shows up consistently for its athletes. Participation can help build sports skills, physical abilities, confidence, self-esteem, self-pride, a sense of accomplishment, friendships and peer interaction.
One of the unexpected benefits has been the network created among parents. Families meet other families, exchange information and discover programs and resources they may not have known existed.
Belonging Beyond the Playing Field
Kelsey’s Heroes began inviting local high school sports teams to work directly with its athletes. The results extended far beyond sports.
Students who may previously have remained in the background at school began interacting with their peers as teammates and athletes. High school players learned how to communicate with and support students with special needs.
A relationship that begins on the field can turn into something as simple—and important—as a high five in the school hallway.
Daniel & Don
Daniel Watson and Donald Doran have helped communities throughout Southern California start, maintain and grow programs for athletes with special needs.
Their involvement includes multiple special-needs sporting events throughout Southern California, including the Annual PONY Special Needs World Series, established in 2016, and the Special Needs Baseball Jamboree in Whittier, California, started in 2024.
Major League Moments
Kelsey’s Heroes participated in activities surrounding the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in July 2022.
In 2019, MLB invited the Watson family and Kelsey’s Heroes player—now coach—Ryan Gunnerson to participate in a ceremonial first pitch at Petco Park during a Dodgers–Padres game.
Watch the MLB ceremonial first pitch
Kelsey’s Heroes has also participated in San Diego Padres clinics and activities at the organization’s Field of Dreams in the San Diego area.
Leadership & Board
Co-Founders
Daniel & Andrea Watson
President
Donald Doran
Vice President
Andrea Watson
Secretary
Tami Menini
Board Members
Zachary Watson
Brayan Doran
Tim Obrein
Logo Design
Mira Vasquez
Kelsey’s Heroes, Inc.
EIN: 33-1555021
