A new volleyball court in Vandergrift aims to honor the memory of a longtime devoted Alle-Kiski Valley coach and teacher.

The Ellen Toy Grass Court at Kennedy Park recently was completed. It was made possible by funding from the nonprofit We Serve First Foundation.

“Let’s let people know there’s a first-class court at Kennedy Park. Come and play on Ellen’s court,” said We Serve First co-creator Tim Toy, widower of the late Ellen Toy.

Ellen (Mangus) Toy died from stomach cancer in 2016. She was 54.

A volleyball standout at her alma mater, Kiski Area High School, and the University of Pittsburgh, Toy taught physical education in the Leechburg Area School District for 25 years. She coached volleyball for almost 30 years in the Plum and Kiski Area school districts.

She founded the Leechburg High girls volleyball program in 1992.

The We Serve First Foundation, founded in 2015 as Toy battled cancer, continues to serve as a way to honor her legacy after her death.

To date, the foundation has provided advanced coaching in the sport of volleyball to more than 100 students.

“This court will be a lasting tribute to the brave, beautiful soul that was Ellen Toy,” Tim said.

The Toys both grew up in Vandergrift and raised their children just yards away from where the court now stands.

Vandergrift Councilman John Uskuraitis said he is proud of the collaboration between the borough and We Serve First.

“It’s great to see groups taking interest in adding to and improving our parks. I drive by and see kids playing around that area now, and it’s wonderful to see that area being used,” Uskuraitis said.

We Serve First obtained permission from Vandergrift Council and secured a location in the park near the skate park and basketball courts.

The court will cost about $2,000.

It includes a hand-painted, large wooden palette depicting Toy in a volleyball uniform. The painting was created by Ellen’s uncle, Rich Mangus.

Tim Toy said he credits borough officials, Ellen’s family and a generous donation from the late Jimmy Ciuca.

Area businesses and individuals donating their services and time include Duda Cable, InSIGNout, The Vick Family, Michael and Anthony Guerrera and Councilmen John Uskuraitis and Lenny Collini.

“This is how this happens, so much kindness and generosity,” Tim Toy said. “I’m tearing up.”

Toy said he was making final adjustments to the court last week when a child approached him and asked him boldly, “Do you want to ‘verse’ me?”

Toy said they played volleyball a few minutes, and Toy even pointed out a few tips to the youngster.

“We laughed and smiled. It was wonderful.” Toy said. “I hope more kids like that just show up and play for now.”

Toy said he plans to host an official opening day soon.

“I’m hoping to have a couple of tournaments a year, maybe a few food trucks and make it something Ellen would be proud of,” Toy said.

Toy said Ellen certainly would give her approval of the new court.

“She would hope that this court might help some young athlete break free from whatever it is that troubles them and find joy in the sport she loved most,” Toy said.

A GoFundMe account to finance the new court has raised about $1,000 of the $2,000 goal.

To donate to the new court, click here.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)