GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

YMCA sports programs not only provide opportunities for children to stay active, in many instances they serve as a foundation for strong family relationships. In the case of Joliet Community YMCA volunteer Rayvan Richardson, becoming a Youth Basketball League (YBL) coach has opened the door to rewarding experiences with her sons – Corey (age 11), Glenn (age 9), and Josiah (age 7).

“The most rewarding part is being able to bond with my sons and connect with them. Basketball is a sport that I played and now they have a passion for it,” Rayvan said.

Rayvan, who served as a volunteer coach for the first time last season, said her decision to get involved at the Y was inspired in part by a conversation with her son, Corey.

“I don’t know if he was joking at first when he said ‘Mom you should coach my team,’ but I thought to myself ‘You know what, I should. I take you to practice anyway.’ And because volunteering is very important to help our youth, I felt I should give back.”

Rayvan said building confidence in children is the most important aspect of YMCA sports programs. 

“I feel like the Y brings kids together in a positive environment and allows them to be active. I always use my kids as an example. They stay busy, have fun, and make new friends. It’s important to start them young so as they grow older they’ve had some positivity in their lives,” she said.

She also believes coaching provides an outlet for personal development.

“It does teach you a lot more patience and I learned what helps is being an active participant in practice. Sometimes I’ll get into the drills with them because I feel like, if you put yourself out there, they have a little more fun and a little more inspiration to get the work done. And I end up feeling like a kid again myself.”

The impact of volunteering goes beyond Y programs, as Rayvan said it has strengthened ties to the community in her day-to-day life. 

“You meet new people and sometimes I’ll see a family at the store and they go ‘Hey that’s coach!’ It’s a joy to make those connections outside the Y,” she said. 

Overall, it’s an experience that has Rayvan already looking forward to next season.

“I love the kids and being around them. I’m so excited to come back next year,” she said.

We are so proud to have Rayvan as a volunteer and thank her for her efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer coach in the Y’s fall youth sports leagues, you can sign up by clicking here.