Wellpoint Celebrates Steve Athas as Hometown Hero
SPRINGFIELD — Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, recognized Steve Athas as an honoree in its Hometown Heroes program during a celebration held at Picknelly Field. In partnership with 98.5 the Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, this initiative celebrates the invaluable contributions of individuals in public service across Massachusetts, shining a spotlight on the everyday acts of dedication and kindness that strengthen local communities.
For more than 50 years, including 48 years at Greenleaf Community Center in Springfield, Athas has dedicated himself to supporting youth through sports, recreation, and mentorship.
“We are honored to recognize Steve Athas as a hometown hero whose lifelong commitment to supporting and mentoring youth has strengthened the Springfield community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “His decades of dedication have made a lasting impact on young people and families across the city. At Wellpoint, we’re proud to support the whole health of public servants like Steve and honor the role they play in helping communities thrive.”
In addition to his work with the Springfield Parks Department, Athas spent 35 years in Springfield Public Schools as a teacher and assistant principal. His lasting impact has earned him recognition in the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2024, the city of Springfield honored him by naming a street after him.
“Simply put, Steve/Coach has helped out thousands of youths to believe and achieve, both on and off the field — he’s always gone the extra yard,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “He has been a quiet, behind-the-scenes leader, never looking for any accolades. Steve has coached, organized, and mentored thousands of Springfield youth. Steve, thank you for your dedication to Springfield’s youth for all these years.”
Tom Ashe, Springfield’s executive director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, added that “Steve has dedicated years to coaching and teaching here in the city of Springfield, and is a great supporter of youth sports and recreation, having organized recreational basketball, baseball, and soccer throughout the city. A well-deserved honor for our hometown hero. Congratulations, my friend, and thank you for what you do.”