A youth sports association with a backbone.
The Greenville Guardians serve more than athletes across three sports in Greenville, Texas and Hunt County. We are faith-based, all-volunteer, and built on one stubborn promise: every child learns. Here's how we got here, what we believe, and who runs it.
Called to build something better.
There was a moment where it became clear—youth sports around us weren’t being done the right way. A kid in my son’s class was placed on a team with no coach, no leadership, and no support, and no one stepped in to fix it. At the same time, the sidelines were louder than the players, and winning was being prioritized over development.
My kids love sports. That part was never the issue. The environment around it was.
What started as frustration turned into something deeper—a feeling that we weren’t supposed to just sit back and accept it. We were called to do something about it.
So we built something different. It started with a flyer. Seven kids showed up. It wasn’t perfect—we had kids quit, and we were figuring things out as we went. But it was real, and it proved something: there were families looking for the same thing.
Then others stepped in. People who believed in doing it the right way. That’s how the Greenville Guardians started—not as a business, not as a program, but as a response. Built on faith, grounded in purpose, and committed to giving kids a place to play, develop, and grow the right way.
Five non-negotiables that shape everything.
These aren't aspirational values posted on the office wall. They are the actual operating constraints of the organization.
Every Child Plays
No tryouts at the rec level. No cuts. No "we'll let you know." If a child registers and meets the age requirement, they are on a team. Period. Scholarships are confidential and require zero paperwork.
Faith Identity, Not Faith Litmus Test
We pray before games. Our coaches reflect Christian values in how they coach. We do not ask families their faith background and we do not exclude anyone based on theirs. Every kid in our jurisdiction is welcome at our practices.
No Salaries
Not for the founders. Not for the board. Not for the registrar. Every dollar that comes through registration, sponsorship, or donation goes to fields, jerseys, equipment, and scholarships.
Coaching Bar
Background checks. Code of conduct signed. The kids deserve a coach with the same commitment they provide.
Local, Period
We will never franchise. We will never go regional. We exist for kids in Greenville. If you do not live here, this association is not for your child.
Why 1 Corinthians 16:13.
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love."
We didn’t choose 1 Corinthians 16:13 because it sounds good—we chose it because it’s a direct call to how we’re supposed to live. It’s simple, clear instruction: be aware, stand firm, have courage, be strong, and do everything in love. That’s not just something you read—it’s something you’re supposed to practice every day.
That same standard shows up on a baseball field.
“Be on your guard.” As Christians, that’s about awareness—being alert, paying attention to what’s happening around you, and living with intention. In baseball, it’s the same thing. Knowing where the play is, backing up your teammates, staying locked in every pitch. It’s not just effort—it’s focus.
“Stand firm in the faith.” That’s about conviction—holding your ground and following through on what you believe. On the field, it’s finishing the play. Running through first, holding your position, not quitting when something gets hard. You start something—you see it through.
“Be courageous.” That’s stepping into uncomfortable situations with confidence in who you are and what you’re called to do. In baseball, it’s getting back in the box after striking out, calling for the ball, making a play when the game’s on the line. Courage shows up when it would be easier to step back.
“Be strong.” Strength isn’t just physical—it’s discipline, consistency, and doing the right thing over and over again. On the field, that’s showing up to practice, listening to coaching, and putting in the work even when no one’s watching.
“Do everything in love.” That’s the standard for how we treat people. Teammates, coaches, umpires, opponents—it doesn’t change based on the situation. It shows up in how you handle success, how you respond to failure, and how you carry yourself through it all.
That’s why this verse matters to us. It’s not just something we say—it’s something we can teach, expect, and live out, both in faith and on the field.
Who runs this thing.
A volunteer board helping lead, organize, and support the Greenville Guardians.
Tom Clark
Founder and President of the Greenville Guardians, he launched the organization to give local kids a place to play, develop, and compete without the barriers that often come with youth sports. A hands-on leader and coach, he is committed to building a program rooted in faith, accountability, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to play.
Dillon Elvington
Dillon Elvington serves as Vice President and Baseball Commissioner for the Greenville Guardians, helping lead the organization’s growth while overseeing the development and execution of the baseball program. He plays a hands-on role in building teams, supporting coaches, and ensuring players are given the opportunity to learn, compete, and develop the right way.
Cassie Franklin
Cassie Franklin serves as Secretary for the Greenville Guardians, keeping the organization organized, on schedule, and accountable behind the scenes. She plays a key role in communication, coordination, and day-to-day operations, helping ensure everything runs smoothly for players, coaches, and families.
TBD
Tiffanie Elvington
Tiffanie Elvington serves as Social Media Coordinator for the Greenville Guardians, helping tell the story of the organization through game highlights, updates, and community engagement. She keeps families and supporters connected while showcasing the players, teams, and moments that make the Guardians special.
Questions we hear every season.
Do you have to be Christian to play with the Guardians? +
My kid plays a different sport — can they still join one season here? +
What sports do you NOT offer? +
How do I report a concern about a coach, official, or parent? +
Got more questions?
We answer real email from real volunteers. Usually within a day.