Our Story
Jill Dempsey and Shelby Schmalbeck bring over 25 years of shared experience rooted in youth sports, leadership, and community impact. Their partnership began as freshman roommates in college—Shelby having played competitive basketball in England and Jill an All-American rugby athlete—both shaped early by the discipline, teamwork, and opportunity that sports create.
Their paths in sports required pushing forward with limited resources and access, even as they competed on national and international stages. Decades later, they continue to see similar barriers facing young athletes, coaches, and teams. That shared experience—and belief that youth sports should be equitably resourced and accessible to all—is at the heart of Appreciation Project.
Jill Dempsey
Co-Founder
Jill is an experienced Executive Director and nonprofit leader with a background in corporate leadership, investment, and nonprofit strategy. An Adjunct Professor of Nonprofit Management at University of Maryland Global Campus and former High School Rugby All-American and Division 1 collegiate athlete, Jill has led humanitarian and community initiatives across underserved U.S. communities, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.
Co-Founder
Shelby Schmalbeck
With extensive experience in youth sports operations and coaching, Shelby is a proven leader in developing athletes, coaches, and clubs through training programs, tournaments, and team development. A former player and team leader for the England National Basketball Team, Shelby has coached youth basketball teams and managed sports facilities, bringing a hands-on understanding of what athletes and coaches need to thrive both on and off the court. Shelby is also the co-founder of Appreciation Project.