Three Montgomery County Unsung Sports Heroes Honored with Inaugural Award

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 6, 2025

The Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee (SAC) celebrated the great work of three heroes in the sports community as they announced the first-ever “Unsung Sports Hero” Awards during the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Celebration on Sunday, May 4.

 

The award was developed by the SAC to recognize those who go above and beyond to increase sports opportunities for underserved communities in Montgomery County. 

               

“There are people in this County quietly doing the work that makes a real difference in kids’ lives, and our new Unsung Sports Hero awards were created to recognize individuals who do not receive the attention and gratitude they deserve,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Caprina, Brett and Arif are expanding opportunities for kids who are too often left out, and they’re building stronger communities in the process. I appreciate the work they’re doing, and I’m glad we’re recognizing their efforts. They clearly earned this honor.” 

Caprina Pipion-Williams coaches the Plum Gar Warriors girls’ basketball team. She is deeply committed to serving and strengthening her community through public service and youth sports mentorship. Her passion for coaching began in college at California State University Stanislaus, where she competed as a dual-sport collegiate athlete in track and field and basketball. There, she had a chance to volunteer in citywide anti-bullying campaigns by teaching coping mechanisms through sports.  

As someone who grew up participating in girls’ sports without ever having a female coach, she is determined to be the mentor she wished she had, shaping her teams with empathy, enthusiasm and genuine care. For Caprina, nothing is more rewarding than stewarding passion and witnessing young athletes grow into confident, empowered individuals. She cherishes every moment she spends mentoring, coaching and reminding her teams that they’re never alone on their journey.

 

Brett Riley has significantly enhanced sports participation for students with special needs. She works as a special education paraeducator at Gaithersburg High School. Brett’s inclusive approach allows students of all abilities to compete and enjoy sports together. She started a bocce team and a pickleball team for students with disabilities at Gaithersburg, and she will soon coach a softball team. Brett is pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in special education at Towson University. She works with students in the Learning for Independence program. Brett’s coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, good sportsmanship and inclusivity. 

Muhammad Arif Wali established the International Sports Organization, which aims to empower youth through sports and education. The program has grown to support more than 200 kids, providing them with transportation, cleats and shirts. Not only does he lead a sports program focusing on cricket, soccer and basketball, he provides students with support for their academics, applying for college, and connecting them with volunteer and employment opportunities. This year, 30 of his students and volunteers have earned full scholarships to college, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire community. 

Arif is currently a sophomore at the University of Maryland as a Public Health Science major. He has secured multiple contracts and played a key role in organizing national cricket tournaments. Most of the students he works with are refugees who have recently arrived and live in the White Oak and Briggs Chaney area. Arif’s organization is a beacon of hope for a lot of underserved communities and gives children the opportunity to participate, build social skills and maintain physical health. 

Arif recently appeared on Montgomery County Recreation’s Inside Recreation podcast to discuss his youth cricket program and the growing popularity of the sport in the County. 

The Sports Advisory Committee studies sports participation and opportunities in the County and makes recommendations to the County Executive and the Montgomery County Council. 

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Release ID: 25-192
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 2404632442
Categories: Recreation