YMCA youth sports programs teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. At the Y, we know these programs would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer coaches. As we prepare for the upcoming Youth Basketball League (YBL) season, we’d like to shine the spotlight on C.W. Avery Family volunteer Ryan Fair. Ryan has spent multiple seasons coaching his sons, Griffin and Bohde. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.
Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?
I played basketball when I was younger and played baseball all through high school and college. Ever since I had kids, I’ve wanted to coach, and whenever my kids do something I always offer to help. I didn’t know too much about the Y prior to starting to coach here, but friends of ours had kids that had played in leagues. They said it was a great program and that they had a great time. We figured we’d give it a shot. My oldest son, Griffin, is in fifth grade now and I believe I started coaching him in first grade for YBL. Shortly after, our youngest son, Bohde, got involved with the Junior YBL program and I started coaching him as well.
Q: What makes Y programs so special?
There’s a strong sense of community and connection to the people that run the programs. I actually went to high school with Sports Director Maria Freeh and it was cool to reconnect coming into this league. She and Sports Manager Miles Turner are always available, approachable, and helpful.
Q: What kind of support do YMCA coaches receive during the season?
The way the Y communicates and schedules practices using the Team Sideline App removes the hassle of most of the things people don’t like about coaching. They take care of that stuff so that coaches can just focus on coaching the kids. And even if we’re shorthanded, the staff is always there to help out. This is definitely the most hands-on involvement I’ve seen from staff in any organization I’ve been involved with.
Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach for the Y?
I ultimately do it for the kids. To see them be successful is the best part of doing this. At the younger ages, we know that there can be a discrepancy in experience, so it’s a good feeling to see how much kids who might not have played very much before progress as athletes, and see teams become more cohesive through friendships and hard work. It’s a great experience and probably the best experience I’ve had coaching sports.
We are so proud to have Ryan as a volunteer and thank him for his efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer basketball coach this winter, you can sign up by clicking here.
