2025 FREE HEART SCREENING EVENTS!
Las Vegas Student Athletes
All Sports | Ages 10 to 25
Our Story
In 2024, Troy Roques, our Executive Director, spear- headed Las Vegas’s first-ever heart screening events for student-athletes. Out of 465 kids screened, 16 had heart abnormalities—seven of them life-threatening. Seven lives were saved, but the experience was eye-opening. With over 20,000 student-athletes in the city, Troy couldn’t stop thinking about how many more lives might be at risk.
Motivated to make a difference, Troy started a nonprofit to raise awareness about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)—the leading cause of death in young athletes. SCA often strikes without warning, but heart screenings can catch hidden dangers and save lives.
That’s why we’re here: to educate, raise awareness, and protect the future of young athletes.
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Our Pillars
Education
Empowering communities through educational seminars, and workshops.
Health & Safety
Organizing heart screening events to safeguard student athletes.
Advocacy
Championing nationide policites to mandate life-saving hearts.
Awareness
Spreading the message through podcasts, social media campaigns, and storytelling.
Tribute
Ashari Huges
A 16-year-old Las Vegas Desert Oasis high school student collapsed and died on January 5th, 2023 while playing flag football.
Ryan Keeler
UNLV football player Ryan Keeler died from a fatal irregular heartbeat caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on February 20, 2023.
Jordan Brister
Amplus Academy Las Vegas senior Jordan Brister suffered sudden cardiac arrest at school on January 3rd, 2023 and later passed away, with no known cause.
NEVER if, Always When
Our mission is to educate the public on the urgent need for heart screenings for young athletes, advocating for nationwide mandates.
We aim to build a trusted, widely influential media platform known for its high-quality, informative content—one that drives awareness through educational events, heart screening events, talk shows, and impactful stories, making heart health a priority in youth sports across the nation.
Our Programs
MERCH WITH A MISSION
100% of proceeds from merchandise sales go towards help pay for heart screening!. Purchase our merchandise and become a Heart Hero!
SPONSOR A SCHOOL
Vegas for Athletes is dedicated to raising awareness and providing heart screenings for young athletes. We are actively implementing programs in schools and communities, working toward our goal of screening 20,000 student athletes.
PLAYER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
We’re proud to offer a program that recognizes athletes who go beyond the game to inspire and uplift their communities. This initiative highlights their character, leadership, and the positive impact they make off the field. Stay tuned for more details on how we celebrate these exceptional individuals and their commitment to making a difference.
HEART SCREENING WITH THE AVIATORS
Our next heart screening event is with the Aviators at the Las Vegas Ballpark on March 16th, 2025. Join us at the Aviators’ Las Vegas Ball Park baseball field for a free heart screening event for young athletes. Help raise awareness and protect the hearts of our future stars. The registration link coming soon!
Meet Our Board Members
Aniela Szymanski
Director of Legal Affairs
Pete Lopes
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Daniel Ochoa
Director of Medical Training & HIPAA Compliance
Chris Endo
Director of Hospitals & Physician Relations
Yvonne Wade
Director of Athletic Programs & Outreach
VFA Network
Stories Inspire Action
The VFA Network is our media and outreach platform, connecting nonprofits, medical experts, and influential voices in youth sports to amplify heart health awareness.
Through YouTube channels, podcasts like “Coach Pete Said So”, “Health Defense with Master B” , and community-driven campaigns, we share stories, expert insights, and educational content to inspire action and drive a movement for heart screenings.
What Our Executive Director Has to Say...
"Vegas for Athletes is more than just a nonprofit—it's a movement. As Las Vegas continues to establish itself as a sports mecca, we are committed to protecting the hearts of our student-athletes, educating communities about heart health, and safeguarding the next generation of champions."
HIPAA Privacy & Security Policy
- Vegas for Athletes follows HIPAA standards to ensure the highest level of privacy and security for your personal and medical information.
© Vegas for Athletes 2025. All Rights Reserved.