Athlete recruitment is a core responsibility of USA Team Handball (USATH), as well as the wide-ranging demands of operating a national governing body. Handball Futures supports USATH’s efforts by expanding opportunities for athletes in handball through talent identification and development camps. The capstone event is the Handball Futures Festival. Through this partnership, Handball Futures focuses specifically on identifying, training, and developing new female athletes for the national team pathway. Together, we’re strengthening the athlete pipeline, advancing gender equity, and growing the sport nationwide.

• Built Strong Leadership: Established a dedicated Board of Directors and an engaged Advisory Council.
• Formed Our Organization: Completed corporate formation, opened financial accounts, set up operational infrastructure, and implemented payment and accounting systems and filed for 501(c)(3) application — IRS determination pending.
• Hired Key Staff & Coaches: Assembled a qualified team to lead training camps, tryouts, and program operations.
• Forged a Strong Alliance with USA Team Handball: Aligned with the NGB’s High Performance Plan and working collaboratively toward shared goals.
• Launched a Nationwide Recruiting Network: Identified 72 prospective athletes through outreach, connections, and referrals.
• Held 5 Athlete Tryouts: Hosted events with 60+ athletes 
• Launched mentorship program pairing Futures athletes with Olympians, National Team members, and Ambassadors to offer guidance on training, competition prep, and life balance.

• Hosted a Regional Training Camp: Provided athletes with high-level training, game play, and continued skill development as part of the Handball Futures athlete pathway — led by Coaches Wade Sutton and Chris Cappelmann.
• Secured Initial Funding: Raised capital to launch operations and programs, and have secured a third of the funding for the 2025-2026. Still actively pursuing additional funding opportunities to continue supporting our mission and athlete development pathway.
• Confirmed Festival Venue Location: Selected Fountain Valley School near the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center for our inaugural Handball Futures Festival — providing athletes with elite exposure and experiences.
• Established a Strong Digital Presence: Launched active social media channels and a dedicated website to share updates, resources, and connect with athletes, clubs, and supporters nationwide.

Mackenzie Dinelli (19): Named to the U.S. Junior National Team heading to Canada this July.

Hannah Perkins: Awarded MVP at College Nationals for the Carolina Women’s Team.

Becky Gonzalez: Honored as Most Valuable Goalie (MVG).

Ivanna Jones: Selected for the All-Tournament Team.

Josie DeLellis: Earned Honorable Mention recognition.

Jacqueline Sandoval: Named an alternate for the U.S. Junior Women’s National Team at the Junior Pan American Games and finished as CalHeat’s top scorer at Nationals, ranking top 10 overall in the Women’s Elite Division.

Cedar Bellows: Named to the 2025 IHF Beach Handball Global Tour – Stage 2 in Spain.

Based on our accomplishments, we’ve developed our Strategic Objectives for 2025–2026 to continue advancing our mission.