Volunteer Coach Jessica Cunningham Brings Youth Sports Back to Roselle

Jessica Cunningham's fondest childhood memories are of teammates and playgrounds—soccer fields, softball diamonds, and basketball courts. Growing up in Roselle, sports shaped who she became. Now, as a volunteer coach for the Borough of Roselle, she is giving other young people the same gift she received.

For nearly three years, Cunningham has been working to restore youth recreation programs to Roselle. With 20 years of high school softball coaching experience and a background in travel softball clinics, she saw a gap. Young athletes in Roselle didn't have the same opportunities she had growing up.

Starting Small, Building Big

In spring 2025, Cunningham launched the first-ever softball clinic in Roselle. Eight girls showed up—all around the same age. What began as a small group became a team. They played a scrimmage against Rahway, then continued building their skills and confidence through the fundamentals.

Cunningham watched them grow. "I realized that these kids didn't have the recreation that we had," she said. "So for the past three years, I [have been] trying to start a recreation program."

Why It Matters

Cunningham's own coaches shaped how she sees youth sports. They inspired her to keep playing through high school. Their influence now guides her work.

"Playing so young teaches you so much into your adulthood, it's more than just a sport," she explained. "It teaches you how to be a good person and how to be a team player. It teaches you communication, responsibility, and it builds your confidence. Those are great qualities for these young kids to start having at a younger age to carry to their adulthood."

Giving Back to the Community

For Cunningham, this isn't about personal recognition. It's about Roselle.

"It's not even about me, it's about Roselle and bringing back something that was such a big part of my life growing up. Sports was such a big part of my life growing up, I want our kids in Roselle to experience the same things that we were able to experience."

She reflects on the lasting impact of youth sports. "We had so much fun, and we had friendships that kept going all the way until now."

The Call for More Volunteers

Cunningham recognizes that restoring youth recreation requires community support. "This is a small step to getting youth sports back, but with getting youth sports back, we need volunteers. If we get more volunteers, we can do more."

She is urging other community members to step forward as volunteer coaches. The Roselle Department of Recreation, under Director D'Nean Wynn, is supporting these efforts.

Cunningham's work demonstrates what one person's dedication can accomplish. And it's just the beginning.

FAQ

Q: How long has Jessica Cunningham been working on this effort?

A: Cunningham has been working for approximately three years to start and restore youth recreation programs in Roselle. The first softball clinic launched in spring 2025.

Q: What happened at the first softball clinic?

A: The first softball clinic in Roselle brought together eight girls, all around the same age. They formed a team, played a scrimmage against Rahway, and continued building their fundamentals and confidence throughout the program.

Q: What is Jessica Cunningham's coaching background?

A: Cunningham has 20 years of experience as a high school softball coach. She also has experience as a softball clinic travel coach, bringing both depth of knowledge and real-world coaching experience to her volunteer work.

Q: Why does Jessica Cunningham feel this is important?

A: Growing up in Roselle, sports were central to Cunningham's childhood and development. She noticed that young athletes in Roselle today don't have the same recreation opportunities she had. She wants to restore those opportunities so local kids can experience the same benefits she did.

Q: What does Cunningham say youth sports teach young people?

A: According to Cunningham, youth sports teach far more than athletic skills. They teach teamwork, communication, responsibility, and confidence. She believes these qualities developed at a young age carry into adulthood and shape people's character.

Q: Is Roselle looking for more volunteer coaches?

A: Yes. Cunningham is actively recruiting additional volunteers to help expand and sustain youth recreation programs in Roselle. She emphasizes that with more volunteers, the borough can offer more programs and opportunities for young athletes.

Q: How can someone get involved as a volunteer coach?

A: Interested community members can contact the Roselle Department of Recreation or Director D'Nean Wynn to inquire about volunteer coaching opportunities.