At HYPE IT UP! Sports Foundation, our mission is to inspire and empower young athletes in the Tampa Bay area by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Through the donation of sports equipment and scholarships, we aim to remove financial barriers and ensure that every passionate athlete has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. We believe in the power of sports to teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and we are committed to fostering a supportive community where all athletes can thrive, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Our core initiatives—equipment donations and athletic scholarships—are driven by the generous support of our community. By supplying essential gear and covering participation fees, we enable athletes to remain engaged in their sport and focus on what truly matters: developing their skills, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong passion for athletics.
We are especially committed to advancing opportunities for girls by supporting female athletes and investing in the growth of girls’ sports programs. As we continue to grow, our vision includes expanding into event hosting and deepening our collaboration with local organizations to further amplify our impact.
A Tampa native and lifelong sports enthusiast, Leo Grossman is the founder of Hype It Up Sports Foundation and a driving force behind HYPE Volleyball Club. With over 30 years of experience in ice hockey and more than a decade of coaching youth sports, Leo is passionate about creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive — regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
Leo served as captain of the Durant High School hockey team and competed at a high level throughout his youth. For over 10 years, he has volunteered as head coach for a youth hockey team in Brandon, FL, playing a key role in shaping the next generation of athletes on and off the ice. His love for sports has become a family affair, as he now shares the rink with his son and continues to play volleyball recreationally alongside his wife, Amanda and both of his children.
Leo believes in the power of sports to teach discipline, build character, and develop strong future leaders. Through Hype It Up, he is committed to making sure every young athlete has the resources and support they need to succeed.
Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Kayla Witucki is a founding board member of Hype It Up Sports Foundation and a proud part of the creation of HYPE Volleyball Club. With a background in community service and a deep passion for youth empowerment, Kayla is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their full potential — both in sports and in life.
Her commitment to service began in high school, where she worked with a local non-profit and discovered the impact of giving back. That same drive has shaped her approach as a coach and mentor since 2020. Kayla finds purpose in watching athletes grow into confident, capable young adults, fueled by the lessons and discipline that sports provide.
As a founding member of HYPE Volleyball Club, Kayla helped build a space where athletes can develop skills in a fun, supportive environment. With HYPE It Up Sports Foundation, her goal expanded to promoting equity in youth sports across the Tampa Bay area, ensuring all children have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
Kayla continues to be a guiding force in both organizations, believing in the power of sports to inspire, uplift, and transform lives.
Originally from New Jersey, Matt has called the Tampa Bay area home since 1994. A lifelong athlete and passionate advocate for youth development, he brings over 30 years of coaching experience to the community. From the soccer field to the golf course, Matt understands the life-changing impact that sports can have on young people, both on and off the field.
A three-sport athlete in high school, Matt earned a scholarship to play soccer at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. While attending FSC, he also served as the head coach for the George Jenkins High School women’s soccer team, gaining early experience in leading and mentoring young athletes. After college, Matt pursued a career in golf, eventually becoming a member of the PGA of America in 2003. He went on to serve as Head Golf Professional at several private clubs across the Tampa Bay region.
Matt’s dedication to sports is rooted in the values they teach—discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. Influenced by coaches who made a lasting impact on his life, he remains committed to giving back to the next generation. His mission is simple: to ensure every young athlete has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed through sport.
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