GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

At just ten years old, RJ Williams may not be the longest tenured Y member, but in the world of YMCA youth sports, he’s already a seasoned veteran.

“I think we started him with basketball skills at three years old,” RJ’s dad Robert said. “He did junior YBL and then after two years, I started coaching his teams. Now we’re ready for another season.”

In addition to basketball, RJ has participated in the YMCA’s flag football and soccer leagues. 

“There is a lot of cheering and I love being with my teammates,” RJ said. “I’ve learned new passing and shooting techniques from my coaches. They help me when I don’t know how to do something.”

Robert said that Y sports programs have allowed RJ to develop skills off the court as well.

“I remember bringing him into basketball in the early days and he was so shy,” Robert said. “After a couple years, he started to be recognized by the coaches and his ability to make friends improved. He’s built up a camaraderie with his teammates, as well as lifelong friendships.”

Robert believes the Y’s emphasis on promoting teamwork and the life lessons that can be learned from sports helps instill a positive self-image in players like RJ.

“You can see what the Y is about as an organization and everyone can benefit from it,” Robert said. “It’s all about character building and family building. Seeing kids be in Y programs and progress in all aspects of life is the key.”

YMCA youth sports programs teach kids the fundamentals of the game, while reinforcing the organization’s core character values- caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

RJ’s mom, Ebonie, believes that it was these values, which he learned at the Y, that helped him to recently advance to the quarterfinals of Colossal Impact’s Youth Athlete of the Year Competition, which benefited the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation for youth empowerment.

“RJ was very proud to represent our YMCA community,” Ebonie said. “The Y has played such a huge role in his growth as an athlete and a kid.”

And for kids thinking about playing sports at the Y, RJ’s message is simple.

“You’re going to have a lot of fun here,” he said.

The Y thanks the Williams family for their continued support of YMCA programs.

If you would like to sign up for the upcoming YBL season, today is the final day of our 2025 YBL Sale! Families who register using promo code YBLSALE2025 will save $10! Learn more and register today by clicking here.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer basketball coach this winter, you can sign up by clicking here.

For YMCA member Marvin Evans, Youth Basketball League (YBL) Saturdays at the Y are about more than just the numbers on the scoreboard. For him, the true value lies in sharing a love of the game that has been passed down through three generations of his family.

“Basketball has always been important in our family,” Marvin said. “Back in the 60s, both my dad and my uncle Roger Powell played at the YMCA, and I’ve been around the Y since I was a kid. As I grew older I went into the army and when I came back home and had kids, I wanted to get them involved in the game as well.”

Marvin, who serves as a volunteer coach for his son Cannon’s high school division team, said that the Y makes a significant impact in the community because it opens the door to players of all abilities.

“Not every kid is going to have the skill set to play on a high school team or in college, but everyone can play at the YMCA. And that’s really important to me,” he said. “I played at Joliet Central during my freshman and sophomore years of high school, but didn’t make the cut my junior and senior years. The good thing was I could always go to the Y and play basketball. That’s where I developed all my skills. Now I’m helping kids in similar situations.”

Marvin said that YMCA basketball not only keeps players like Cannon active on the court, but it builds character skills that will help in any facet of life. 

“Cannon really enjoys being a part of the team and I think that’s what keeps him going. It has really helped build his confidence. And I’ve seen with all the players, everyone out here is laughing and learning to play as a team,” he said. 

Cannon said the highlight of his experience in YBL was a deep run in last season’s league tournament.

“I remember getting third place in the tournament last year. We were short a few players and still made it that far. It was a lot of fun,” he said.

Ultimately, Marvin said he’s most proud to play a role in creating a positive community space for youth.

“I always see the joy in the kids when they are here at the Y. It’s always a place with smiles. It’s a family environment where kids can interact and be themselves.”

The Y would like to thank the Evans family for their continued support of the Y.

If you would like to sign up for the upcoming YBL season, now is the perfect time! Families who register by October 6 using promo code YBLSALE2025 will save $10! Learn more and register today by clicking here.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer coach this winter, you can sign up to volunteer by clicking here.