Scandal Rocks Local Softball Community as Organization Leaders Accused of Defrauding Team
By Jessica Harmon | Community Times Reporter | April 11, 2025
The tightly-knit world of local youth softball has been thrown into disarray following explosive allegations that several high-ranking members of a prominent softball organization colluded to defraud one of its teams of critical resources and funding. Parents, players, and community supporters are now demanding answers as investigations unfold.
According to multiple sources within the organization, including former coaches and disgruntled team parents, a small group of leaders allegedly manipulated financial records, misallocated team funds, and made unauthorized decisions that left at least one team — the Westfield Wildcats 14U — without proper equipment, uniforms, and travel accommodations for the spring season.
The accusations came to light last week after an anonymous whistleblower leaked a series of internal emails and bank statements to the local press. These documents, currently under review by the Westfield Police Department’s fraud unit, appear to show a pattern of financial mismanagement and potential embezzlement over the past 18 months.
The individuals at the center of the controversy include organization president Tanya Ellis, treasurer Marvin Grant, and scheduling coordinator Lisa Compton. All three have served in leadership roles within the Westfield Youth Softball Association (WYSA) for more than five years and were widely respected — until now.
“They Lied to Our Faces”
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Danielle Morales, whose daughter plays outfield for the Wildcats. “We trusted them with our kids, with our money, and with our time. And they lied to our faces while taking everything from these girls.”
Morales was one of several parents who noticed discrepancies in the team’s 2024 financial reports. Despite raising over $15,000 through community fundraisers and sponsorships, players were told there were not enough funds to purchase new jerseys or pay for travel to a major tournament in Orlando.
“At first, we were told the uniforms were delayed due to a supply issue,” Morales said. “Then we were told there wasn’t enough money. But how is that possible when we raised more than we ever have before?”
The parents’ suspicions prompted them to request a full financial breakdown from the organization — a request that was denied several times before the whistleblower’s documents surfaced.
An Elaborate Cover-Up?
In the leaked emails, Ellis and Grant appear to discuss diverting team funds into a general account used for “organizational growth and operations.” However, financial records show large, unexplained withdrawals from that same account, including payments labeled as “consulting fees” and “miscellaneous expenses.”
One particularly damning message from Compton, dated November 2024, references “keeping things quiet” to “avoid backlash from the Wildcats group.” Legal experts suggest that language could be interpreted as evidence of intentional concealment.
“It certainly raises serious red flags,” said Cheryl Lansing, a nonprofit compliance attorney reviewing the case. “If the leaders were moving designated team funds for unauthorized purposes and deliberately hiding that information, that could constitute both civil and criminal fraud.”
Organization in Crisis
Since the allegations went public, WYSA has gone into damage control mode. The board of directors held an emergency meeting Monday evening, after which they issued a brief statement confirming that Ellis, Grant, and Compton have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an internal audit.
“The Westfield Youth Softball Association takes these allegations seriously and is cooperating fully with local authorities,” the statement read. “We remain committed to transparency and the well-being of our athletes.”
However, for many within the community, that’s not enough.
“This isn’t just about money,” said former Wildcats coach Aaron Platt, who resigned last week in protest. “This is about trust. These kids lost out on once-in-a-lifetime experiences because of the selfishness of a few adults.”
What’s Next
The Westfield Police Department has confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. Detective Carla Nguyen, leading the case, declined to comment on the specifics but stated that investigators are “actively reviewing all available documents and conducting interviews with relevant parties.”
Meanwhile, the affected Wildcats team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to try to salvage their season. As of Friday morning, the fundraiser had already surpassed $6,000, thanks to an outpouring of support from the broader community.
“This scandal won’t define us,” said Wildcats captain Olivia Grant (no relation to Marvin Grant). “We’re going to keep playing, keep fighting, and prove that we’re bigger than the people who tried to bring us down.”
As the investigation continues, many in Westfield hope that justice will be served and that the integrity of youth sports — and the people who steward them — can be restored.
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