New Braunfels, TX — In just four years, NB Thunder has grown from a small local idea into the leading provider of homeschool athletics in New Braunfels, serving more than 300 students across a wide range of competitive sports and community activities. Now, as the organization prepares for another season of growth, NB Thunder is launching a Giving Tuesday campaign aimed at strengthening the essential infrastructure that fuels its mission.
Founded in 2022 by Kevin and Laura Force, NB Thunder began as an answer to a clear need in the community. After years of commuting to San Antonio for homeschool sports, the Force family recognized that New Braunfels’ growing homeschool population needed opportunities closer to home. What started with a volleyball clinic of 10 students quickly transformed into a full slate of competitive teams, including baseball, boys and girls basketball, football, golf, softball, tennis, and boys and girls volleyball.
“Once we saw the interest from families, we knew this was where God was calling us,” said co-founder Laura Force. “We wanted to serve right here in the community where we live.”
The milestones came quickly. The first competitive volleyball match made the vision real—followed by early-season trophies and rapid program expansion. In 2023, the addition of six-man football elevated NB Thunder even further, establishing the organization as a comprehensive provider of homeschool sports. That same year, the volleyball program won two national championships on the same day, claiming titles in both the 18U and 16U divisions at the National Christian Homeschool Volleyball Championship.
While Thunder celebrates wins on the court and field, the heart of the program lies in the stories of individual students whose lives have been transformed through belonging and opportunity. One of those stories belongs to Hovsep “Hovie” Tchilinguirian.
Hovie, who is on the autism spectrum, had tried recreational sports, but struggled to find a place where he truly fit. At NB Thunder, that changed. Coaches quickly recognized his unique strengths—particularly his ability to follow detailed instructions with precision—and developed him into a defensive specialist and reliable server. Hovie became an integral part of the boys volleyball team’s strategy. After moving out of state, he chose Thunder’s colors, for his high school graduation cords because of the impact the program had on his life.
Stories like Hovie’s are at the core of NB Thunder’s mission. “We know these years are shaping our kids’ core memories,” said Laura. “It’s a privilege and responsibility to create an environment where they grow, belong, and flourish.”
As NB Thunder prepares for continued expansion—including new teams, an upgraded accounting system, and the program’s first administrative employee—the organization is focusing on strengthening the foundational systems that keep everything running. These behind-the-scenes needs, such as insurance coverage, bookkeeping software, website maintenance, and safety training for coaches, are essential to Thunder’s long-term stability.
To support these efforts, NB Thunder is launching its 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign with a goal of raising $7,500. The funds will ensure the organization can continue making homeschool sports accessible to families—many of whom rely on single incomes—and maintain low participation fees while expanding opportunities for all students.
“We operate intentionally at cost so families aren’t priced out,” said Kevin Force. “Fundraising helps bridge the gap so every student has a place on the team.”
With exponential growth in participation and demand far outweighing supply, NB Thunder is poised for its strongest year yet. The organization continues to innovate through its nonprofit structure and free access to online tools, allowing volunteers to operate efficiently without the expense of a physical facility.
Families, alumni, and community supporters are invited to join the mission and help “Fuel the Future of Homeschool Athletics” during the Giving Tuesday campaign. Donations will directly support the essential administrative backbone that keeps NB Thunder running safely and sustainably.