Our Mission
INVERSA Sports is a bold movement reshaping the future of youth athletics by tearing down pay-to-play barriers, and building a system where access is a right, not a privilege. We redefine what it means to be an athlete by creating inclusive, competitive, and purpose-driven environments where young people of all backgrounds can develop skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their full potential—on and off the field. We don’t just offer an alternative to traditional sports models, we’re creating a new standard.
Let them play. Watch them rise.
Our team
PHIL HARRIS
Co-Founder
Phil is a seasoned educator, certified Education Administrator, and UEFA and USSF licensed soccer coach with over 20 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and leadership. A former collegiate soccer player and coach, Harris has served as Director of Coaching for multiple high-level club programs, where he developed elite training frameworks and built pathways for youth athletes to reach collegiate and professional sporting opportunities. He holds Master's degrees in Educational Leadership & Administration, and Literacy & Learning, which have grounded his work as a transformational leader. In recent years, Harris has led Career & Technical Education and College & Career Readiness initiatives, including the Tales from the Grit Podcast, a highly regarded student-led storytelling program, as well as the architect of INVERSA Sports, an equity-driven youth sports model endorsed by community leaders and aligned with Aspen Institute’s “State of Play.” Harris continues to drive systems-level change that bridges academics, athletics, and workforce readiness, earning recognition for his innovative, student-centered leadership.
Education:
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M.S. Educational Leadership & Administration, Eastern Washington University
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M.S. Education: Literacy & Learning, Walden University
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B.S. Elementary Education, Linfield University
Certifications:
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UEFA Licensures-Football Association of Wales
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USSF Licensures-United States
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NSCAA Diplomas-United States
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Administrative License, Washington State OSPI
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Teaching License, Washington State OSPI
SCOTT HEINZE
Co-Founder
Scott is an education leader and strategic advisor dedicated to reimagining how schools and communities support the whole child through sport, play, and social-emotional learning.
As President of the Tacoma School Board, Scott led efforts to expand equitable access to high-quality education and integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into every classroom. His leadership helped position Tacoma Public Schools as a national example of how districts can balance academic achievement with student well-being and holistic development. Nationally, Scott has contributed to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and State of Play initiatives, helping to implement strategies that promote access to quality youth sports for all children, regardless of zip code or income. His work emphasizes the role of play and physical activity as essential components of learning, health, and community connection.
With a background in SEL policy and whole-child development, Scott’s perspective bridges education systems and youth sports ecosystems. At Inversa Sports, he helps advance the mission to build inclusive, developmentally aligned sports experiences that strengthen both character and community, ensuring that every young athlete has the opportunity to grow, compete, and thrive.
Education:
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M.S. Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University
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B.A. Criminal Justice, Eastern Washington University
JUSTIN BURGHER
Director of Programming
Justin is a licensed soccer coach and experienced youth mentor who has worked extensively with young athletes in both leadership and coaching roles. He has served as Director of Coaching for several elite soccer clubs and has held prestigious positions such as Director of the Elite Academy in the EA. Across these roles, Justin has overseen coaching staff, developed player pipelines, and implemented competitive training frameworks. His background in mentoring and guiding young people, combined with his high-level coaching expertise, enables him to cultivate both the character and performance of the athletes he leads
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KARI LILLIE
Director of Customer Success
Kari has extensive experience managing large teams, both domestically and internationally, specific to Customer Success Management. Previously, with a proven track record managing a diverse team of international contractors who were proven leaders in their fields, holding the title of Global Customer Success Manager with the highest client and contractor retention and satisfaction company-wide. For nearly twenty years prior, she developed her reputation as a systems leader by creating and managing a specialty clinic for the top-producing optometry clinic in Washington State, implementing clinical workflows and patient care. Across these roles, Kari has consistently demonstrated her strength in combining sector knowledge with client engagement to drive organizational success.