Board of Directors
Den Defenders Youth Football - Laingsburg
The Board of Directors for our nonprofit organization plays a crucial role in guiding our mission and ensuring effective governance. Composed of dedicated individuals with diverse expertise, the board is responsible for strategic planning, financial oversight, and community engagement. Their commitment to our cause helps to foster transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth. Together, they work to ensure that our organization provides a positive impact in the community we serve.
The board officers are:
Mary Voisinet - President
Melissa Dinkins - Vice-President
Joshua Smithers - Secretary
Sherry Stevens - Treasurer
Mike Salas
Jeremy Stevens
Brian Borgman- Varsity Coach (This position is permanent, and the board intends for it to evolve in conjunction with any changes of the Varsity head coach. The goal to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship between the Varsity program and the youth program, investment and collaboration from both sides.)
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MJ Voisinet - President
MJ is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist with a strong passion for family, community, and sports. Residing in Laingsburg with her husband Bob, a lifelong Laingsburg resident and former Wolfpack Football Alum, and their two energetic sons, Levi and Ryder, she has fostered a warm and active family life centered around athletics. A former athlete herself, MJ has not only played soccer, volleyball, and softball but also served as the Varsity Volleyball Assistant Coach in Perry, where she inspired young athletes with her expertise and enthusiasm. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation extends to Laingsburg Youth Baseball, and actively volunteers at her boys' schools, reflecting her deep-rooted dedication to the community.
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Melissa Dinkins - Vice President
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Melissa became a flag football coach in the spring of 2021 when her future stepsons moved to the Laingsburg area. As a way to relationship build with the boys and be involved in their new community, Melissa found her footing in role of new stepparent combing her love of football with her love of the boys. Ever since, Melissa has coached in every flag football season eventually transitioning into tackle in the fall of 2023. Melissa has coached tackle for both 5/6 and 3/4 and plans to continue as her future stepsons move through the Laingsburg football ranks.
Melissa is a Registered Nurse holding a master's degree in nursing management and leadership which has afforded her the opportunity to hold a dual position as medical trainer and coach on her tackle teams.
Melissa currently works as the district nurse for a Lansing area public school district. After many years working as a paramedic, nurse and nursing administrator, being among the kids and helping shape and support their academic and athletic futures is where she knows she was meant to be.
There is a drive in Melissa that inspires her to make sure everyone child not only loves the game but can also play the game in the safest way possible and to their fullest potential regardless of barriers.
Joshua Smithers - Secretary
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Joshua Smithers and his family moved to Laingsburg in 2013 from Holland, Michigan. His wife Cassandra and he share three boys, Noah, Micah and Elijah. One of the reasons the family chose Laingsburg when they relocated was because of the school systems. The wonderful community they have experienced since, has only reinforced that decision.
Joshua began coaching football with Den Defenders in 2021, when Noah and Micah began to play on an organized team. Elijah will likely be entering flag football this spring to join his older brothers.
Outside of coaching, he owns and operates multiple construction companies and employs over 100 people throughout the lower peninsula. Joshua’s driving force is the sense of accomplishment he gets from developing people and watching those around him succeed.
Sherry Stevens - Treasurer
Sherry is a dedicated preschool teacher at Laingburg ECEC and the owner of Sherry’s shirts, a small business specializing in custom made shirts. Passionate about both education and creativity, Sherry loves bringing joy to young learners while also expressing her artistic side through her business.
Married to her husband, Jeremy, since 2012, Sherry is the proud mom to two active boys, Reed and Briar. The Stevens family is often found at sporting events, cheering on the boys in baseball, basketball, football and wrestling. Sherry enjoys being a supportive mom, watching her sons thrive in the sports they love. When they are not on the sidelines, the family enjoys hiking and exploring new adventures together.
A strong advocate for the community, Sherry cherishes the tight knit environment of Laingsburg, where she and her family are proud to live, work and play.
Mike Salas
Jeremy Stevens
Jeremy is a dedicated lifelong resident of Laingsburg, where he proudly graduated from Laingsburg High School. With six seasons of football experience, including two years on the Varsity team, his passion for the sport remains strong as he volunteered as a coach for youth football for the past three years, showcasing his commitment to both football and the community. As a proud father of two boys, Reed and Briar, Jeremy deeply values the connections he has forged in Laingsburg, reflecting his love for the area in all his endeavors. His dedication enriches his work, making it a truly rewarding experience.
Brian Borgman - Varsity Football Coach
Playing Experience:
Williamston youth football 3-8th grade
Williamston high school football 9-12th grade
Bowling Green State University 1992-1994
Football Coaching Experience:
Assistant Coach Williamston High School 1994-1997
Assistant Varsity Coach Laingsburg High School 1999
Junior Varsity Head Coach Laingsburg High School 2000-2001
Varsity Head Coach Laingsburg High School 2002-present
Brian is a dedicated high school science teacher at LHS since 1997, who resides in Laingsburg with his wife and two children, both proud alumni of Laingsburg Community Schools. An accomplished coach, Brian has led three different sports at the high school level and actively volunteers in the basketball and football programs. As the head football coach, he is deeply passionate about DDYF, believing it offers invaluable opportunities to develop young players and coaches. "We will be able to develop young players and coaches with skills and knowledge that will carry over to their time at high school—a comprehensive, vertically aligned system that benefits all stakeholders."