TL;DR: Toyota and espnW have recognized the 11th class of Toyota Everyday Heroes at the 2026 espnW: Women + Sports Summit. This year's honorees are Markeshia Grant of EPIC for Girls in Omaha, Nebraska, and Rhiannon Potkey, founder of Goods4Greatness in Knoxville, Tennessee. Each received a $25,000 grant to support work expanding opportunities for young athletes. Their efforts highlight the importance of making sports more accessible to girls and children, a message that resonates with families, coaches and youth sports organizations throughout Seattle, Burien and the greater Puget Sound region.
Toyota Recognizes Two Leaders Making a Difference Through Youth Sports
Sports can teach young people lessons that last far beyond the playing field. From teamwork and perseverance to confidence and leadership, participating in athletics can help children develop skills that serve them throughout their lives.
But not every child has equal access to those opportunities.
That's the challenge at the heart of Toyota's Everyday Heroes program, which recognizes people working to make sports more accessible to women and girls in their communities.
On October 14, 2026, Toyota honored the program's 11th class of Everyday Heroes at the 2026 espnW: Women + Sports Summit in Ojai, California. The two honorees, Markeshia Grant and Rhiannon Potkey, each received a $25,000 grant for their work expanding access to sports and creating opportunities for young athletes.
Toyota's recognition shines a spotlight on the community leaders who are helping more children experience the benefits of participating in sports.
For families throughout Seattle, Burien and the Puget Sound region, their stories offer a reminder of how much local organizations, coaches and advocates can accomplish when they work to remove barriers to participation.
Meet the 2026 Toyota Everyday Heroes
This year's honorees approach the challenge of expanding sports participation from two different directions: strengthening organizations that serve girls and ensuring children have the equipment they need to play.
Markeshia Grant: Creating More Opportunities for Girls Through EPIC for Girls
Markeshia Grant is the executive director of EPIC for Girls, a nonprofit based in Omaha, Nebraska, that works to create more equitable opportunities for girls to experience the benefits of sports.
Rather than focusing exclusively on individual athletes, EPIC helps strengthen the organizations, coaches and community systems that support girls' participation in athletics.
Through partnerships and community-centered programs, the organization helps provide resources and support to groups working directly with young athletes.
The goal is to build a more inclusive youth sports environment where girls can develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a sense of belonging.
Grant's work demonstrates that expanding access to sports involves more than opening the doors to a team. It also means supporting the people and organizations that help girls thrive once they get there.
Rhiannon Potkey: Helping Children Get the Equipment They Need to Play
Rhiannon Potkey founded Goods4Greatness, a Knoxville, Tennessee-based nonprofit dedicated to helping children access the sports equipment they need to participate.
For families facing financial challenges, the cost of athletic equipment can become a significant obstacle. Shoes, uniforms, protective gear and other essentials can add up quickly, potentially keeping children from joining a team or continuing a sport they enjoy.
Goods4Greatness works to reduce that burden.
The organization purchases new sports equipment for low-income children across the country and partners with college athletic programs to redistribute new and used equipment to youth teams in need.
Through partnerships with schools, sports organizations and community groups, the nonprofit has expanded its reach nationwide, helping thousands of young athletes get the gear they need to participate.
Potkey's work illustrates how a practical solution—putting equipment into the hands of children who need it—can open the door to teamwork, physical activity, confidence and new experiences.
Why Access to Youth Sports Matters for Seattle-Area Families
The stories of Grant and Potkey reflect challenges that families can encounter anywhere, including communities throughout the Pacific Northwest.
From youth soccer and basketball to baseball, softball, swimming and track, sports give children opportunities to build friendships, discover interests and learn how to work toward shared goals.
Yet participation can come with costs beyond registration fees. Equipment, uniforms, transportation and other expenses can create barriers for families.
Organizations that provide resources, equipment and support can help more children participate, regardless of their financial circumstances.
In communities such as Burien, Seattle, Renton, Kent, Tukwila and throughout King County, local schools, recreation programs, coaches and youth sports organizations all have important roles to play in making athletics accessible.
Toyota's Everyday Heroes program brings national attention to people working on these challenges and demonstrates how community-based efforts can create meaningful opportunities for young athletes.
How Toyota's Everyday Heroes Program Supports Young Athletes
Toyota's Everyday Heroes program recognizes nonprofit leaders making a measurable difference for women and girls through sports.
The program highlights people who work within their communities to expand access, inspire participation and help young athletes experience the benefits of being part of a team.
For the 2026 class, Toyota awarded $25,000 grants to each honoree to support their work.
This year's recognition continues a longstanding relationship between Toyota and espnW. In 2026, Toyota marks its 14th year as presenting sponsor of the espnW: Women + Sports Summit.
The three-day summit brings together people and organizations connected to women's sports, providing a platform to recognize leaders and highlight initiatives that help expand opportunities for women and girls.
The Everyday Heroes program is one way Toyota supports people making a difference beyond professional sports, focusing on the community leaders helping the next generation get involved.
From Local Teams to National Impact
One of the most important lessons from this year's honorees is that expanding access to sports doesn't require a single, nationwide solution.
Sometimes, progress starts by giving a child the equipment needed to join a team. Other times, it means helping a community organization strengthen its programs, build partnerships or reach more families.
Both approaches can help create a stronger foundation for youth sports.
For parents, coaches, educators and community leaders in the Puget Sound area, these stories offer inspiration to look at the barriers children face locally and consider how those barriers might be reduced.
Whether through volunteering, donating equipment, supporting a youth sports organization or encouraging a child to try a new activity, small actions can help more young people experience the benefits of participation.
Toyota of Burien: Supporting the Community That Moves Us Forward
At Toyota of Burien, serving the community means more than helping drivers find their next vehicle. It's also about recognizing the people and organizations working to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Toyota's Everyday Heroes program reflects the power of community leadership and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation.
While Grant and Potkey's work takes place outside Washington, their missions speak to values that matter to families throughout Burien and the greater Seattle area: opportunity, inclusion, teamwork and helping young people reach their potential.
As a local Toyota dealership serving drivers throughout the Puget Sound region, Toyota of Burien is proud to share stories that highlight the people making a difference in their communities.
Want to Help More Kids Participate in Sports?
You don't have to run a nonprofit to make a difference in youth sports.
Families and community members in Burien and the Seattle area can help make athletics more accessible in several ways:
Donate gently used sports equipment: Check with local schools, recreation programs or youth sports organizations to see what equipment they accept.
Volunteer: Ask local teams and community organizations about coaching, event support or other volunteer opportunities.
Support youth sports programs: Learn whether local organizations offer scholarships, equipment assistance or reduced-cost registration.
Encourage participation: Help children explore different sports and find activities that match their interests.
Share the story: Spread the word about organizations working to make sports more accessible to young athletes.
Interested in finding more ways to support your community? Explore local recreation programs and youth sports organizations in Burien and the greater Seattle area to learn about current volunteer and donation opportunities.
At Toyota of Burien, we believe stories like these are worth celebrating because they remind us that helping people move forward can start with a single opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota's Everyday Heroes Program
What is Toyota's Everyday Heroes program?
Toyota's Everyday Heroes program recognizes people making a meaningful difference for women and girls in their communities through sports. It highlights leaders working to expand access to athletics and create opportunities for young people.
Who are the 2026 Toyota Everyday Heroes?
The 2026 honorees are Markeshia Grant, executive director of EPIC for Girls in Omaha, Nebraska, and Rhiannon Potkey, founder of Goods4Greatness in Knoxville, Tennessee.
How much money did the 2026 Everyday Heroes receive?
Toyota awarded each 2026 honoree a $25,000 grant to support their work expanding opportunities for young athletes.
What does EPIC for Girls do?
EPIC for Girls works to create more equitable opportunities for girls to participate in sports. The Omaha-based nonprofit supports community organizations, coaches and systems that help girls access quality athletic experiences and youth development opportunities.
What is Goods4Greatness?
Goods4Greatness is a nonprofit founded by Rhiannon Potkey that helps children access sports equipment. It purchases new equipment for low-income children and partners with college athletic programs to redistribute new and used equipment to youth teams in need.
Why is Toyota supporting girls' and women's sports?
Through its partnership with espnW and the Everyday Heroes program, Toyota recognizes leaders who are expanding opportunities for women and girls through sports. The initiative highlights the value of participation, confidence, teamwork and leadership while supporting organizations that reduce barriers to getting involved.
What is the espnW: Women + Sports Summit?
The espnW: Women + Sports Summit is an event that brings together people and organizations connected to women's sports. Toyota is the presenting sponsor, marking its 14th year in that role in 2026.
How can Seattle-area families help children participate in sports?
Families can explore local recreation programs, ask schools and sports organizations about equipment assistance or scholarships, donate eligible sports gear and volunteer with youth teams. Availability and eligibility vary by organization.
How can I find youth sports programs in Burien and Seattle?
Families can start with local parks and recreation departments, school athletic programs, community centers and established youth sports organizations in Burien, Seattle, Renton, Kent and nearby communities.
Where can I learn more about Toyota of Burien?
Visit Toyota of Burien online to explore new and pre-owned Toyota vehicles, dealership services and information for drivers throughout Burien and the greater Puget Sound region.
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