Stephanie’s All-Stars: An Inspiring Legacy of Love, Youth Sports, and Community in West Virginia

Stephanie’s All-Stars: An Inspiring Legacy of Love, Youth Sports, and Community in West Virginia

This week, I had the great pleasure of sitting down with my yoga student, Denise Phillips, founder of Stephanie’s All-Stars—a foundation created in memory of her daughter, Stephanie Phillips Eddy, who tragically passed away five years ago. The foundation provides sports equipment to children in need across Marshall, Wetzel, Ohio, and Monongalia counties. This is a story of hope, resilience, and a mother’s determination to keep her daughter’s legacy alive.

Author’s Note:

I originally wrote this piece for our church bulletin as a way to spotlight my dear yoga student Denise Phillips and honor the incredible legacy of her daughter, Stephanie.  What began as a student shout-out turned into something much deeper—a story of love, loss, and the power of community. I’m honored to share it here in hopes of spreading awareness about Stephanie’s All-Stars and the impact it's making in the lives of local children.

An All-Star Is Born

Stephanie Eddy-Phillips was destined for greatness. Born into a family of avid baseball fans, she picked up a ball as a toddler and started playing softball at the age of six—never looking back. Her father, Denny, coached her teams from youth leagues through high school and beyond, cheering her on as she continued to play recreational softball as an adult.

A standout pitcher, Stephanie led her team to many victories, including competing in the WV State Tournament while playing for John Marshall High School. She was truly an all-star—on and off the field.

Stephanie was the middle of three sisters—Sarah, Stephanie, and Anna—who were not only siblings but best friends. The girls attended grade school together at St. Francis Catholic School, where Stephanie’s bright spirit and natural leadership began to shine.

A Life of Service and Strength

Stephanie was a natural caregiver and leader—always lending a hand, always nurturing. Her mom shared that she was one of the most trusted babysitters in the area and had a calming, comforting presence that children and families were drawn to.

Unsurprisingly, Stephanie pursued nursing. After graduating from John Marshall in 2007, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Liberty University in 2011. She began her career at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, where she worked on the 8th floor as a medical-surgical nurse. There, she cared for post-op patients, comforted elderly individuals during end-of-life care, and provided healing support through long, demanding shifts—all with compassion and grace.

Stephanie later married the love of her life, Damone, and together they had two children. Years of caring for others had prepared her for the most important role of all: motherhood.

In 2019, Stephanie's life was tragically cut short in a car accident. Yet the light she brought into the world continues to shine through the foundation that bears her name.

Remembering Stephanie: The Mission of Stephanie’s All-Stars

Founded in 2020, Stephanie’s All-Stars honors Stephanie’s love of sports and her commitment to serving others by providing sports equipment—like cleats, gloves, and bats—to children in need. The foundation has helped hundreds of children across several West Virginia counties.

In partnership with the Wetzel County Commission and EQT, the foundation also installed a state-of-the-art playground in Hundred, WV—a place where children can play, grow, and create memories that last a lifetime.

“We wanted to keep Stephanie’s spirit alive,” Denise says. “What better way to do that than by helping local kids get out and play?”

As Denise lovingly puts it: “Every child deserves a new pair of cleats or a glove. It’s a way of saying, I believe in you. And sometimes, that’s all a child needs.”

Mini-Golf Tournament Fundraiser 

This year, the foundation is hosting the Stephanie’s All-Stars Mini Golf Tournament at Grand Vue Park on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 9 AM–1 PM. Form a 4-person team and register for $25 per person ($100 per team). Sign up at www.stephaniesallstars.com or email Stephanie’s sister, Anna, at [email protected] 

Not a golfer? No problem! There will be something for everyone, including:

• Food Trucks: Izzy’s, Domino’s Pizza, Stalder’s Ice Cream, Northern Bells Coffee
• Family Bake Sale
• Raffles & Prizes: Homemade quilts, gift baskets, a golf package, accessories for a Blackstone grill, and more!
• Hole Sponsorships: $50 includes a personalized banner
• Donations Welcome: Visit the website to give at any time

This will be the final year for active fundraising events, but the foundation will continue to support youth in our area in Stephanie’s honor. Businesses and individuals can still contribute, and as a registered 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible.

A Beautiful Legacy

Stephanie’s life was marked by service, compassion, and love. Though her time here was far too short, the impact she made continues to ripple outward through every pair of cleats given, every glove delivered, and every smile shared on the field. Stephanie’s All-Stars is more than a foundation—it is a movement of love, a legacy of joy, and a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can create something beautiful.

Let us join together to support this mission, honor Stephanie, and make a difference in the lives of children who—just like her—are destined to shine.

How You Can Help

Donations are accepted year-round, and every dollar raised goes directly to providing sports and playground equipment for children in West Virginia.

To learn more about Stephanie’s All-Stars and find out how you can make a difference, visit: www.stephaniesallstars.com