So we usually reserve this space for athletes who have turned in spectacular performances during the previous week, but this week’s Athlete of the Week has touched so many lives and accomplished so much that even Michael Jordan has a weaker resume.

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Elisa Torres, the Founder and President of the Roberto Clemente Cultural Committee in Williamsburg. Elisa, while never throwing out striking out a batter or coming up with a walk-off hit, knocked a grand-slam when she fought to turn grassy lots on Division Avenue into little league baseball field back in the early 90’s. The ball fields turned into home of the Roberto Clemente Little league, which Torres and Antonio Guadalupe co-founded in 1992.

In addition to the little league, Torres started the Roberto Clemente blossoms Marching Band and Baton Twirlers. And by founded, we mean not only did she help raise money and teach kids to twirl batons, she actually stayed up at night making uniforms for the marchers, twirlers, and little leaguers!

But her contributions didn’t end there. Elisa and Vice President Vivian Pabon helped start a free after school program for children whose parents couldn’t afford traditional programs. Among the programs offered were tutoring, test-taking, and even dance. (In fact, one little girl entered the dance class with a hunchback and went on to become a college dance teacher!)

For all of her efforts in community, Elisa is a beloved figure in the Williamsburg community (a community that rushed to set this reporter straight after an article ran a few weeks ago!) When asked why she went through all of the struggles, Elisa’s answer is simple:

“We you help people, and you see the joy in their faces, you feel good.”

Well said Elisa, and that’s why you are this week’s Athlete of the Week.