MENU
Meet NEHA Inc's Founder
Founder, NEHA Inc.
William Ortiz
Will’s journey with handball began over 45 years ago when he first discovered the sport as a young boy of seven. Will then relocated to Massachusetts from Brooklyn, NY in the early 80's, where he continued to channel his passion for the sport of handball. By 1992, Will was organizing tournaments in Holyoke, MA, to breathe new life into a dwindling handball scene, and offer players in New England the opportunity to compete and shine. Driven by a vision to safeguard handball’s future, Will also began restoring neglected handball courts across Massachusetts. His efforts culminated in the creation of NEHA Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding courts, expanding the sport’s reach, and uniting the New England handball community. Today, Will remains at the forefront of these efforts, hosting inclusive events, advocating for court preservation, and fostering the next generation of players.
NEHA Inc's Co-founder
Co-Founder, NEHA Inc.
Nancy Ortiz
Nancy was introduced to handball during her senior year at UMASS Amherst when she met Will Ortiz. She played the sport for the first time in the early 1990s and was instantly hooked. Handball captured her heart with its unique qualities, offering a way to relieve stress while staying fit and active over the years. Her passion for the sport led her to take a more active role in the handball community. She became a key advocate for the Camp Street Handball Court Revitalization Project in Worcester, a cause close to her heart. Her work in Massachusetts eventually earned her the role of Massachusetts State Chair with the United States Handball Association. Around the same time, Nancy and Will formalized their efforts by establishing the New England Handballers Association Inc. (NEHA Inc.), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Today, Nancy continues to play an active role in promoting handball, revitalizing existing handball courts, and teaching the sport to both youth and adults. Her dedication to handball remains as strong as ever, inspiring others to embrace and support this dynamic sport.
