Meet the ACPS Partner: The Miracle League of Alexandria

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is fortunate to count dozens of dedicated businesses, community organizations and institutions of higher education as partners working with us each day to inspire students and address barriers to learning. Our “Meet the ACPS Partners” series is how we proudly thank these organizations and share their powerful, positive work with the community. This week, we caught up with The Miracle League of Alexandria (MLA) Chair Mac Slover, which supports ACPS divisionwide.

Tell us about your organization. What’s your mission statement? How do you work with ACPS students, families or staff?

We formed The Miracle League of Alexandria (MLA) in 2010 … to help develop outdoor recreational opportunities for Alexandria’s specialized instruction community. 

MLA really encompasses a much larger community in Alexandria – businesses who have so willingly donated to the cause; private citizens who donated funds for the field and the playground; those who have donated their time to serve as volunteers helping our players during the Miracle League games; the Psi Nu Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity who attend every Miracle League game; the City staff who do such a great job for our special education community; the families and friends who come out to the games to cheer on our players; plus many, many more.

Beginning in 2022, each spring and fall, the MLA has partnered with the ACPS Office of Specialized Instruction (Executive Director of Specialized Instructional Programs Amy Creed and her staff) to provide baseball field trip games on a special rubberized surface field (specifically designed for walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) at the Kelley Cares Miracle Field at the 

Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center. All equipment (balls, bats, gloves and batting tees) are provided. Every hit is a homerun.

Special education students from the ACPS high school, middle schools and elementary schools have the opportunity to play a one to two inning simulated baseball game to include hitting, circling around the bases and fielding. Students experience the fun of playing the game, receiving high fives, cheers, smiles, laughter and enjoy music, freeze dancing and much more!

How long has your organization been (officially/unofficially) partnering with ACPS?

The MLA has partnered with ACPS from 2022 to present day.

If you could describe the impact of your work with ACPS in three words or less, what would they be and why?

Opportunity - Cheers - Smiles! We provide special education students the opportunity to play baseball and softball in a regular field like setting, providing them the chance to be able to hit, catch, throw and circle the bases—an opportunity they may otherwise never get. They also hear everyone cheering and experience getting and giving high fives as they circle the bases and play.

What is a recent bit of good news about your organization or a feel-good story that you can share about your work?

In 2023, the MLA donated a $3,500 lighted tunnel for the sensory room at George Mason Elementary School. We have recently taken on a project called Brian's Sensory Bags where all the recreation department neighborhood centers and over 10 ACPS schools and counting have received sensory bags for their special education classes. Until sensory rooms and calming measures are available at all City schools and rec centers, these sensory bags can fill that gap. The Brian Sensory Bags were named  in memory of Brian Schutzius (MLA Board members Laura and Jack Fries’ son).

The sensory bags supplied by the MLA were designed with input and support from ACPS specialized instruction educators and include items such as therapy putty, nonverbal communication cards, fidget toys and calming sensory items.

What is one thing most people might not know about your organization's work?

The MLA is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026. We partner closely with the City of Alexandria’s Therapeutic Recreation Program, ACPS Office of Specialized Instruction and the Washington Nationals. Our programs are carried out “rain or shine” either on the field or indoors in a gymnasium. MLA believes in never canceling a game.  

How can community members get involved and support your organization's collaborative efforts with ACPS?

Each year more than 1,000 players from the Miracle League and local sports programs use the Miracle Field. Over 40 Miracle League games are played on the field each year, plus t-ball games and practices. Each season more than 300 volunteers and 250 family members make the games possible and fun for all.

The MLA is always looking for volunteer support for our games and our organization.

"Angels in the Outfield" are volunteer buddies who assist Miracle League players with hitting, catching, throwing a ball or walking, pushing wheelchairs or running with the players circling the bases. As an Angel, you are rewarded with smiles, high fives and cheering for the players who have a chance to participate in sporting events like everyone else. These volunteers can sign up individually or as a group for one or more games depending upon their time. 

• The Alexandria City High School baseball, softball and girls volleyball teams come out to volunteer each season.
• The Kelley Cares Miracle Field is located adjacent to the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (Lee Center) at 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314. In the event of inclement weather, games are held indoors at the Lee Center across the parking lot from the Miracle Field. If you are interested in joining us, see the contact page on the website and let us know.  
• Register to volunteer by completing the 2026 Spring Miracle League Baseball Program form..

Learn more about The Miracle League of Alexandria at: miracleleagueofalexandria.com