Meet The Directors.
Darren Duncan
a Long Island, New York native and Merrimack College Hall of Famer, has lived a life shaped by basketball. A three-time NCAA All-American with a degree in psychology, Darren’s professional career took him across eight countries, where he not only excelled on the court but also nurtured a passion for giving back. This passion led him to create Gold Level Sporting Events, a nonprofit dedicated to providing the next generation of athletes with the same opportunities that shaped his life.
Darren’s extensive experience, both on and off the court, fuels his commitment to the "Between the Lines" program, where he leverages his expertise in sports, mentorship, and psychology to help incarcerated individuals. Through sports, Darren aims to reduce recidivism by fostering teamwork, resilience, and personal growth, while also giving participants a platform to share their stories. His belief in the unifying power of basketball drives the program’s mission to change lives and perspectives, both inside and outside the prison walls.
Lamont "Tory" Stapleton
Tory, hailing from Rahway, New Jersey, is a Gill St. Bernard’s Hall of Famer who helped build the school's basketball program into a powerhouse. After a post-graduate year under Hall of Fame coach Jere Quinn, Tory overcame a career-threatening basketball injury to excel at Southern New Hampshire University, where he led his team in scoring and rebounding throughout his college basketball career.
Now based in Los Angeles, Tory founded "I’m Just Different," a social movement promoting individuality and acceptance. His extensive network and genuine passion for helping others drive his involvement in the "Between the Lines" program. Tory’s expertise in basketball, coupled with his commitment to fostering personal growth, will be instrumental in using sports to mentor and support incarcerated individuals, aiming to reduce recidivism and create meaningful connections.