At the Y, we understand that when kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups. The Y’s youth sports programs go above and beyond teaching the fundamentals of the game by emphasizing the importance of teamwork. And, it’s our dedicated sports instructors that help to guide and train our young athletes at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
Leading the Village of Shorewood YMCA’s sports team is long-time Y staffer and new Sports Director Chris Interial. Interial began his Y career in 2009 at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield. As a former collegiate athlete and sports enthusiast, he quickly found his niche coaching kids in the Y’s Youth Sports programs. He went on to serve as Sports Director for the Morris Hospital YMCA for seven years, and he has demonstrated a true passion for youth development through organizing countless youth sports programs. He leads a sports team that has an exciting summer planned with a variety of summer sports camps, which will kick off on Monday, June 1.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in Decatur, IL and I am the oldest of five children. Sports have always played a major role in my life. I grew up playing basketball, baseball, football, and golf. I even went on to play baseball in college at Lincoln College in Lincoln, IL, and then at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. I now reside in Joliet with my wife Teresa and my sons Luca (10 years old) and Mateo (3 years old).
Q: What are you passionate about in life?
I am passionate about coaching and helping others. I enjoy seeing a kid who is very passionate about a sport and watching him/her evolve as an athlete.
Q: How did you find the Y?
My mom worked at the Y and I was a Y member. One night, I was playing basketball and I found out the Y was hiring. I enjoyed coaching sports and working with kids, so I figured why not? Looking back, that one night was the beginning of what I hope will be a long career at the YMCA.
Q: As the new Sports Director at the Village of Shorewood YMCA, what exciting programs do you have planned?
In addition to our summer sports camps, I am looking to introduce a number of new sports programs for preschool and kindergarten-aged children in the Shorewood community. And, I look forward to enhancing the Y’s great sports programs that are already established throughout Will County.
Q: What role do you believe sports plays in youth development?
Sports teaches kids how to work with others and be part of a team. They get to build social skills outside of school and have new experiences.
Q: What are some of your favorite professional sports teams?
I am definitely a Chicago Cubs and a Dallas Cowboys fan!
As a reminder, there is still time to register for sports camps at the Village of Shorewood YMCA. To learn more about summer sports camps, click here or stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit. If you have questions about summer camps or the Y’s youth sports programs, you can stop by Chris’ office the next time you visit the Village of Shorewood YMCA, or you can email him directly at [email protected].
