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Meet Our 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Team!
- Soccer Without Borders
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
On November 2nd, eleven dedicated runners will take on the iconic TCS New York City Marathon. From Staten Island to Central Park, they’ll make their way through all five boroughs alongside tens of thousands of others—but they’re running for something more.
Team Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is running to expand access, open doors, and fuel programs that meet underserved youth where they are. The funds they raise will support free, year-round programs that use soccer as a vehicle for change—connecting teammates across languages, cultures, and life experiences, and offering consistent spaces where youth can grow with confidence.
“This year’s TCS NYC Marathon team is inspiring to me because they are a genuine reflection of our SWB community,” said Muriel Mena, SWB Advancement Coordinator and marathon team manager. “They include newcomers, women, volunteers, partners, coaches, and more. Not only do they reflect the youth we serve, but they also stand united in wholeheartedly wanting the best for each and every SWB participant. That’s incredibly special to all of us at SWB.”
Meet Our 2025 TCS NYC Marathon Team:
Tara Murphy Beardsley (Malden, MA)
Tara is no stranger to long-distance running, but this year’s NYC Marathon holds special meaning. As both a teacher and coach, she sees firsthand the transformative impact of Soccer Without Borders in the lives of her students—many of whom are part of SWB Massachusetts. “The SWB participants who need the program and who gain so much from it. That’s why I run,” she shared.
Fun fact: if she could go anywhere in the world, she’d choose Machu Picchu—a lifelong dream destination.
Nicole Campbell (New York, NY)
As a veteran staff member at Capelli Sport—a longtime partner of SWB—Nicole has had a front-row seat to the organization’s mission and impact. “It’s pretty cool to see your personal and work passions collide,” she said, “especially for something that has been on my bucket list a long time.”
She’s looking forward to seeing the sidelines filled with supporters and signs as she runs through her own city. Fun fact: her go-to pre-race breakfast is banana-Nutella toast.
Ian Daly (Washington, DC)
Ian is running his very first marathon and is most excited about the community he’ll be joining on race day. “Being involved with an organization like SWB for over 10 years, it’s amazing to see how many lives are impacted,” he shared.
Fun fact: his love for Liverpool FC began when his Irish soccer coach told him to watch the team—and he’s been a fan ever since.
Ginnie Dobson (New York, NY)
Ginnie is running her very first marathon—and soaking in the atmosphere is at the top of her list. “The atmosphere and the crowds,” she shared, “I just want to soak it all in!”
She chose to run for Soccer Without Borders because, as she put it, “I wanted a cause that connected both worlds—my job and my journey.” A lifelong football professional originally from Africa, Ginnie was drawn to SWB’s mission of using the beautiful game to break barriers, open doors, and change lives.
Ethan Furphy (Cortlandt Manor, NY)
Ethan is running his first-ever marathon to give back to the sport that’s shaped his life. “Soccer has been a major part of my life since I could walk. It’s given me lifelong friends, purpose, and confidence. Now I’m running to give back,” he shared.
His journey with Soccer Without Borders began in 2023 through a directed study at Clark University, where he partnered with SWB Massachusetts to launch a free soccer clinic for local youth in Worcester. That pilot program laid the groundwork for SWB’s return in 2024, marking an exciting step toward long-term impact in the city.
Angelica Garcia (Hayward, CA)
Angelica is running her first marathon to give back to the community that inspired her to become a teacher. A longtime SWB volunteer and current special education teacher, her journey reflects the very values that define Team SWB.
She’s looking forward to completing the distance strong and injury-free. Fun fact: her go-to pre-race breakfast is pan dulce—sweet fuel for the miles ahead.
Jaime Garcia (Houston, TX)
For Jaime, running has become more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. “Running changed my life for the better,” he shared. “I do my best to inspire those around me through my running journey.” As he nears his 10-year anniversary as a runner, he’s taking on his first marathon in support of youth who share his lifelong love for the game.
He's most excited about the vibrant atmosphere on race day. Fun fact: Jaime reps both his hometown running club, the Houston Colosseum Runners, and his favorite team, Tigres, where his love of soccer began back in Monterrey, México.
Rosemary Gomez (Los Angeles, CA)
A dedicated teacher and lifelong learner, Rosemary is running her first World Marathon Major through the streets of New York City—and she couldn’t be more excited. “Being part of this team means standing for something bigger than myself,” she shared. “Running has given me so much, and this is my way of giving back.”
She’s proud to support SWB’s mission of empowering youth and is especially honored to run alongside her teammate (and friend) Angelica, who continues to inspire her every day. Fun fact: Rosemary’s favorite team is Club América—“It was more than just soccer,” she said. “It was family, tradition, and pride all in one.”
Joe Kroymann (Denver, CO)
For Joe, the NYC Marathon brings together two meaningful parts of his life: running and creating spaces where people feel they belong. “As a young person, running gave me a space to belong as my true self,” he shared. “Now, as a coach with SWB, I get to create and foster those same kinds of spaces for youth.”
Joe began his SWB journey as a volunteer in Maryland and now serves as a Program Coordinator at SWB Colorado. He’s most excited for the celebration and energy of race day—“one big party through the five boroughs.”
Joe Mocera (Dallas, TX)
A volunteer high school coach and longtime sports enthusiast, Joe joined Team SWB to support youth who deserve access to the same life lessons and opportunities sports have given him. “Sports can bring so many amazing life lessons and opportunities to a child,” he shared, “and that's what made me want to run with Team SWB.”
He’s most looking forward to the atmosphere on race day—“all of the spectators throughout the whole course!” Fun fact: running the NYC Marathon brings him one step closer to achieving his goal of completing the Big 6 marathons.
Sherry Shin (Honolulu, HI)
For Sherry, joining Team SWB is about embracing a new challenge and pushing herself—physically and mentally. She’s most excited about “getting strong!” through the marathon journey.
A lifelong Manchester United fan (thanks to her dad), Sherry believes deeply in the power of teamwork and support. Her favorite SWB mantra is “Celebrate the pass more than the goal”—because, as she puts it, “In life, you will never go as far if you are alone. Having a support system or team is so important!”
Every marathon has its own story, and this one is being written with courage, generosity, and heart. To each of our runners—thank you for trusting us with your journey, for carrying SWB’s mission with every mile, and for reminding us what it looks like to show up for others. We’re so proud of you, and we’re glad you’re here.
Team SWB is running for change, and your donation brings that change to life. Every gift supports free, year-round programs that use soccer as a vehicle for positive change. To contribute, choose a runner whose story resonates with you and donate to their fundraising page linked above!