Meet the Team
Visionary Founder & CEO
D’Jay Scott
D’Jay Scott founded Opportunity Academy at the intersection of sport, youth development, and equity after witnessing firsthand how access, or the lack of it, shapes opportunity.
A lifelong athlete and coach, D’Jay played football and ran track, competed professionally in the American Flag Football League, and has spent over a decade coaching youth, including girls flag football at both the club and high school levels. He currently serves as Offensive Coordinator for Helix High School’s varsity girls flag football program.
With leadership experience across nonprofit development, education, and youth programming, D’Jay created Opportunity Academy to ensure young people, especially girls from marginalized communities, gain the confidence, skills, and support needed to thrive on and off the field.
Operational Founder & CTO
Sarah Gogarty
Sarah Gogarty is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, former basketball player and runner as well as a passionate advocate for youth development and mental wellness. With a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and experience providing therapy to children, teens, and families across school, community, and private practice settings, she is dedicated to helping young people build confidence, resilience, healthy attachment, emotional regulation, and strong self-esteem. Sarah integrates trauma-informed care, including EMDR, with her love of athletics and teamwork to create supportive environments where youth can grow both emotionally and physically. She is especially committed to programs that foster safe community, financial literacy, service, and athletic empowerment for the next generation.
Program Director
Cole Thiec
Cole is a dedicated youth development professional who believes in the transformative power of sports to build character, community, and confidence in young people.
As a NCAA student-athlete in track and field at Waynesburg University, Cole experienced firsthand how athletics shape young people into leaders. His years as a student-athlete weren't just about personal achievement; they were about discovering how sports create a framework for growth, teaching young people to set goals, overcome obstacles, and support one another through challenges and triumphs alike.
Cole's passion for youth development has been cultivated through extensive nonprofit experience, from serving in multiple youth development roles. As a Bonner Scholar, he partnered with organizations including the Salvation Army, United Way, and World Vision, learning that meaningful impact happens through authentic relationships and consistent presence in young people's lives. Cole understands that youth development is about creating safe spaces where young people can discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize their full potential