GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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 Morris Hospital YMCA’s sports team are Sports Director Kaeli Ford and Sports Manager Mac VanOudt. They have 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 and how you got started with the Y team?

Kaeli: My journey at the Y started a little over a year ago. One day after I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration from North Central College, I was named the Sports Manager here at the Morris Y and this spring I took on the role of Sports Director. Sports have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. From sitting in on my dad’s practices while he played professionally overseas, to playing in college basketball myself, athletics has made me who I am today.

Mac: I originally got started with the Y a little more than two years ago in the Health and Wellness Department where I served as a personal trainer and instructor. I have loved working for the Y and when an opportunity to become Sports Manager opened up this spring I was excited to become a member of the full time team.

Q: Why do you have a passion for teaching/coaching youth sports

Kaeli: My passion comes from my own experience. I know firsthand how beneficial youth sports can be, and how it’s not limited to athletic skill development. Sports are important for socialization, building self-confidence, and so much more. What kids learn at camp/practice will stick with them for a lifetime.

Mac: I grew up playing sports and I know the impact my coaches had on me at the youth level. I try to bring the same joy and passion that my coaches had when coaching me.

Q: What do you think makes participating in YMCA youth sports programs a special experience for kids?

Kaeli: I think the environment here at the Y is what makes us so special. In sports, it can be hard to look past the concept of wins and losses. At the Y we focus on the importance of a positive environment where kids can learn and grow without getting too caught up in competitive results. Here, everyone plays and everyone wins.

Mac: I think it is amazing that our sports programs bring everyone together. Whether someone has played the sport for many seasons, or if it is someone’s first time playing a sport, we welcome everyone to come play and have fun!

Q: With summer sports camps right around the corner, what are some of the most exciting activities you are looking forward to offering for families?

Kaeli: I’m most excited about our girls basketball camps. With the recent boom of women’s sports it feels like the perfect time to expand those types of programs.

Mac: I grew up playing soccer so I am probably most excited for that camp. I am also looking forward to helping kids in some of our more unique camps like Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, and Badminton.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside the Y?

Kaeli: I really love my coffee, so trying new drinks at local coffee shops is always fun.

Mac: My favorite thing to do outside of the Y is to run. While I prefer outside, sometimes I even run inside the Y on the treadmill.

As a reminder, there is still time to register for sports camps at the Morris Hospital YMCA. To learn more about summer sports camps, click here or stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit.