The Grit Pile Kidz Wall of Fame is our way of recognizing the athletes who stand behind our mission. These athletes aren’t just stars in their sport—they’re champions of resilience, perseverance, and the belief that success comes from grit, not just talent.

This is our version of a Hall of Fame—a place where we honor those who have battled adversity, overcome challenges, and now inspire the next generation to do the same. Their stories, their journeys, and their support fuel the Grit Pile Kidz movement, showing young athletes that setbacks aren’t roadblocks—they’re stepping stones.

These athletes have stepped up to endorse Grit Pile Kidz, lending their voices to empower kids to push through obstacles, stay passionate, and find their own path to success

Meet the GPK Athletes

Matt Moulson – MattyMo

“I support Grit Pile Kidz, because I know firsthand that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about resilience, determination, and the willingness to outwork the obstacles in your way. Grit Pile Kidz helps young athletes understand that the journey won’t always be easy, but with passion and perseverance, they can achieve more than they ever imagined.” 

Matt Moulson, a dedicated advocate for youth hockey, is currently running his own coaching and mentoring program, The Moulson Mindset. His main goal is to help young athletes reach their full potential. After an impressive college career at Cornell, where he scored 71 goals and 138 points in 134 games, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the ninth round of the 2003 NHL Draft. He signed with the Los Angeles Kings in 2006. After a strong showing in the AHL, he made his NHL debut with the Kings in 2007, scoring a goal in his first game. He went on to have a successful career, including three consecutive 30-goal seasons with the New York Islanders.

To read Matt’s full bio,

read more

Mike Komisarek – Komo

“I support Grit Pile Kidz because it teaches kids the importance of resilience, determination, and finding their passion. This mission is dear to my heart because I know how critical these lessons are—not just in sports but in life.”

Mike’s journey of Passion to the Big Leagues and beyond!

Komisarek is of Polish descent. His father, Roman Komisarek, was 24 when he moved to the United States, where he eventually opened an auto-body repair shop on Long Island Roman Komisarek left his wife Kathy behind in Poland until he could earn enough to afford an apartment and support her. Mike Komisarek stated that, “At that time, my parents knew they wanted to start a family and give me and my sister a better opportunity. My father moved to Brooklyn, found a job and didn’t know the language at all. He just had the clothes on his back. Now, we have a nice home on Long Island, and my parents provided everything we ever needed. I always carried that with me. I always wanted to make them proud.”

At the University of Michigan, Komisarek excelled over two seasons, earning First Team All-American honors in 2002 and helping the Wolverines win a CCHA title and make two NCAA Championship appearances. Drafted seventh overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2001, he debuted in the NHL during the 2002–03 season. Known for his physicality, he led the league in blocked shots in 2007–08 and was a 2009 NHL All-Star.

In 2009, Komisarek signed a five-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs but faced injuries, including a season-ending surgery in 2010. After being bought out in 2013, he joined the Carolina Hurricanes for one season before retiring.

Post-retirement, Mike Komisarek has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of hockey players. After completing his degree at the University of Michigan and joining their hockey coaching staff, he took on a significant role with USA Hockey in 2016 as an Athlete Director. In this capacity, Komisarek plays a crucial part in shaping future talents. He served as an advisor focused on player development for the Buffalo Sabres for three years, Currently, he is working with the Vancouver Canucks, starting his third season along with the Sedin twins and Mikael Samuelsson.**

Become a Published Author on Our Website!

We’re looking for teen writers to share inspiring stories! Submit a short piece about someone you admire—someone whose journey motivates you to chase your dreams. If selected, your story will be published on our Grit Pile Kidz “Wall of Fame”, celebrating resilience, determination, and perseverance. This is your chance to become a published author, inspire others, and earn a custom Grit Pile Kidz avatar badge to showcase your feature. Submit your story today and leave your mark! 

Rigorous Rose – Author Bio

 

Ella Marie Charron

 

Born in Dallas in 2008, Ella Marie Charron is a passionate writer, aspiring videographer, and dedicated honor English student at The Hill School in Pottstown, PA.

As a multi-sport athlete, Ella excels in ice hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, and track. A dedicated student-athlete, she skillfully balances her time between rigorous academics, creative pursuits, and being a committed team player in the sports she loves.

Outside of sports, Ella showcases her creative talents through writing and videography, where she captures stories and moments that inspire and engage. Her work reflects a deep curiosity and a desire to connect with others through meaningful narratives.

As a student, Ella is also aspiring to take on a leadership role in student government at The Hill School. With her strong sense of responsibility, her voice for her peers, and her vision for positive change, she hopes to make a lasting impact on her school community.

Ella’s dedication to her academics, her creative endeavors, and her leadership goals exemplifies her well-rounded nature and unwavering commitment to excellence. She is a rising leader and a source of inspiration to her peers.

 

 

Inspiring Iris

Next Short Story – Coming Soon

Meet Inspiring Iris – A Beacon of Hope in a Harsh World

Growing up in a dangerous neighborhood filled with hardship and tragedy, Iris refused to let her circumstances define her.

Despite the struggles she faced, she never lost her innate kindness or belief in the goodness of people.

With a heart full of love and a spirit unshaken by adversity, she dedicated herself to spreading kindness, lifting others up, and fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Iris is on a mission to make the world a better place—one act of selflessness at a time.

Next Book Feature

Coming Soon!

Exciting News – Book #3 is in the Works!

Our third book is currently in the creative studio, and we’re working tirelessly to bring the next inspiring story to our readers!

Set to be published this Spring, this new installment will continue to fuel resilience, passion, and grit in young athletes and beyond.

Stay in the loop by signing up for our emails to get exclusive updates on our progress and the official release date. You won’t want to miss this one!