From Morrill to the Maine Celtics: Mitchell Scholar Alum Madison Shorey Is Expanding Access to Youth Sports Across Rural Maine 
Growing up in the small town of Morrill, Maine, Mitchell Scholar alum Madison Shorey felt the pull of home long before she ever left it. After graduating from Belfast Area High School in 2022, she became a Mitchell Scholar that same year and began a college journey that would take her from South Carolina to Massachusetts, and ultimately back to Maine, where her work is now shaping opportunity for the next generation of young athletes.
“Being far away from home was really hard,” Shorey said. “I have three younger sisters, and I’m very family oriented. Maine has always had a special place in my heart.” That sense of belonging followed her throughout her college years and became even stronger through her connection with the Mitchell Institute. For Shorey, the scholarship was significant not only because she was the first in her family to attend college, but also because of the community that came with it.
“It’s way more than just a scholarship. It’s truly a family,” she said. “No matter where I was—Massachusetts, South Carolina, or back home in Maine—I always knew there was someone I could talk to. The Mitchell Institute made me feel supported in every part of my journey.”
Shorey graduated a year early from Stonehill College, where she studied psychology and played NCAA Division I field hockey. Long before earning academic honors or athletic scholarships, she knew she wanted to work in sports. Her early years involved long drives to tournaments, late nights at practices, and conversations with her parents about how sports could shape her future.
“Even when I was little, I told my dad I would love to own a sports gym or a field hockey club someday,” she said. “Sports gave me confidence, lifelong friends, and the opportunity to go to college. But I also knew how fortunate I was. Not every kid has the same access.”
That belief became the foundation for BBE Sports (Be Better Every Day), the nonprofit Shorey co-founded with her father in 2023. What began as a field hockey program has expanded to include football and softball across Waldo County, with a commitment that no child will ever be turned away because of cost.
“If a family can’t afford to play, we make it happen,” Shorey said. “We keep fees as low as possible and help provide equipment. Our mission is to meet kids where they are—whether they want to make friends, stay active, play in high school, or pursue sports beyond that. Everyone deserves the chance to play.”
Her nonprofit work reflects a broader challenge facing rural Maine, where financial and geographic barriers often limit access to youth sports. Many communities lack updated facilities, and the travel required for competitive play can make participation inaccessible for families. “In my entire county, we have only one turf field, and it’s more than twenty years overdue for replacement,” she said. “We live in an incredible place, but when it comes to sports access, there are gaps that make it hard for kids to stay involved. I was lucky. Without my parents’ investment, I would not have been recruited at the level that made college affordable.”
Shorey’s passion for expanding access led to new opportunities during her senior year, when she interned with the Boston Celtics on their youth development team. She later coached summer camps for the Junior Celtics Academy in Maine and now works with the Maine Celtics as a Team Attendant, supporting game-day operations and helping ensure players have what they need to perform.
“The staff and environment have that same Maine feel,” she said. “It’s a community. Everyone cares. Being part of the Maine Celtics feels like everything coming full circle.”
Shorey is pursuing a master’s degree in sports management with a certificate in athletic administration and is exploring future roles ranging from athletic director to nonprofit leadership. Her long-term vision, however, remains firmly rooted in Maine. “My heart is in Maine,” she said. “I want to expand BBE Sports and reach even more communities. I want to help bridge resource gaps across the state so all kids can have the chance to play if they want to.”
When asked what message she hopes young Mainers or future Mitchell Scholars take from her story, her answer is immediate. “You can do it,” she said. “You are capable of achieving your dreams. I never thought it would be realistic for me to play Division I field hockey, or intern with the Boston Celtics, or work in professional sports. But here I am. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
For 30 years, the Mitchell Institute has helped Maine students overcome barriers to higher education. By providing financial support, personal guidance, and a lifelong network, the Institute empowers Mitchell Scholars to graduate, build meaningful careers, and strengthen Maine’s communities and workforce through their success and leadership.
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