Elyse Luecke is a passionate and authentic champion of BBBSEMO, whose advocacy is rooted in lived experience and resilience. She actively supports and promotes the organization through consistent event participation and heartfelt storytelling that inspires others to engage. Elyse embodies collaboration and positivity, openly sharing her journey to uplift and connect with the community. Her lifelong bond with her Big Sister, Michele—now honored in Elyse’s upcoming wedding—beautifully reflects the enduring impact of mentorship.
Jack French exemplifies the power of long-term mentorship through his 12-year match with his Little Brother, Trevion, providing unwavering guidance, care, and consistency from childhood into adulthood. His influence extended beyond outings to deep family trust, life guidance, and lasting emotional support, even continuing after he relocated. Jack is a passionate ambassador for BBBSEMO, regularly encouraging others to become Bigs and actively engaging new supporters. His mentorship philosophy carries into his professional and volunteer life, where he continues to uplift and inspire young people through technology and career development programs.
Brian Jordan, a former St. Louis Cardinals and NFL player, has demonstrated strong support of BBBSEMO through hands-on youth engagement and public advocacy. Since fall 2025, he has partnered with the ABCToday school-based initiative, visiting multiple University City elementary schools to promote literacy and achievement, including returning to four schools to host promised kickball celebrations for classrooms meeting their reading goals. As the 2025 Battle at the Ballpark keynote speaker, Brian leveraged his platform to support fundraising and champion the impact of mentorship. Across BBBSEMO events, his active interaction with youth and supporters reflects a genuine, ongoing commitment to mentorship, encouragement, and community empowerment.
Coach Dennis Gates exemplifies a commitment to excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in the community, aligning strongly with BBBSEMO’s mission of mentorship and youth development. In just three seasons as Whitten Family Men’s Basketball Head Coach, he has reestablished the University of Missouri on the national stage, earning 2022–2023 SEC Coach of the Year honors, multiple Naismith Coach of the Year Watch List recognitions, and NABC Central Region Coach of the Year accolades, while mentoring student-athletes to academic, athletic, and professional success. Drawing on more than 20 years of Division I coaching experience—and his own early experience as a Little Brother—Coach Gates has adopted a mentorship-first approach, focused on developing young men beyond basketball. His partnership with BBBSEMO includes a skills clinic with his team and our program participants, reflecting a genuine investment in empowering the next generation through leadership, consistency, and positive role modeling.
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