Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Morris Hospital YMCA Member Tyler Mann

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 Morris Hospital YMCA volunteer Tyler Mann. Tyler has spent multiple seasons coaching his sons, Axel and Atlas. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?

Even before there was a full-facility Y in Morris, there was a footprint of a Y here, and I officiated YMCA basketball for (former Sports Director) Ken Iverson for five or six years. Once I got a full-time job, it wasn’t feasible for me to continue officiating, so I took a break. Now that I have my own children, I’ve been lucky to come back as a coach for three flag football seasons and one basketball season.

Q: What makes Y programs so special?

The Y is so good for the community because it brings people together. We live in Seneca, but Morris is in my roots, it’s where I’m from, and it’s nice to see opportunities that weren’t here when I was a kid. My sons have made so many friends through YMCA sports programs.

Q: What kind of support do YMCA coaches receive during the season?

There is always somebody from the Y here to help if need be. This year, I know I had an incident where I had to rush my dog to the ER vet. I was on the way home from work and I told Sports Director Chris Interial. He told me not to worry because somebody would be there for practice. It helps to know that in an emergency you’re not going to let your players down by canceling practice. They all want to learn and we all want to help teach them.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach for the Y?

My favorite part about being a volunteer is looking at the difference in the kids from day one to the final day of leagues – seeing their growth and knowing it can ignite a passion. I know for my oldest son, he wouldn’t have thought about football until there was a flag program here. Now I can’t get him to stop talking about it. He always wants to play catch or kick the football in the yard.

Q: What is your favorite memory from your Y volunteer experience?

My first year of coaching flag football was with the pre-K group and it was with kids who really didn’t understand football yet. We were trying to run a reverse all season and get them to understand misdirection. The first time that we had a clean snap, clean handoff to the running back, and a clean handoff on the reverse, I could see them recognizing the defense going the other way and understanding why it happened. It was so cool. Not every person on the field had the ball, but every person had an important role.

Q: What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in signing up to be a YMCA volunteer coach

It’s not always easy to structure your life around something you’re volunteering for, but in the end it’s always so rewarding. Every player is different, so I always try to make a connection with the children and see what they need most. Sometimes that’s as simple as gaining confidence. Sometimes improving work ethic. If I can identify their needs, I try to work with them to the best of my abilities.

We are so proud to have Tyler 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. 

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: C.W. Avery Family YMCA Youth Basketball League Coach Ryan Fair

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.

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Galowich Family YMCA Member Shadae Martin-Payne

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 Galowich Family YMCA member and volunteer Shadae Martin-Payne. Shadae has served as a volunteer coach for the last three years, and you can learn more about her in the Q&A below.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?
I’m very passionate about basketball and it’s been my passion for a long time. I started playing when I was six years old and I played all the way through college. Now that I have kids myself, I wanted to be able to give back, not only for them, but for the other kids in our community as well.

‘Q: What makes Y programs so special?
The first thing is the community and access that kids have to Y programs. It’s important for kids to have something they can participate in and a safe place to go. The people are nice and friendly and that’s one of the reasons why we’re so comfortable in this atmosphere. Even for little kids, it’s electric. It’s always great to see the kids having fun and learning.

Q: What kind of support do volunteer coaches receive from YMCA staff?
I feel like the staff do a really good job of working with you. The communication is always there. When you reach out for something, they’ll help, and on gamedays you’ll always have the tools that you need to be successful in the volunteer space.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach?
Volunteering is a selfless act. It’s a way to think about others before yourself. The kids will look up to you as a role model, and it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression. It’s so cool to see the kids come back each year and see how much they’ve improved and grown up. I have a sense of fulfillment in being able to affect kids’ lives in that way.

Q: How has participating in YMCA sports programs impacted your family?
I coach alongside my husband, and I think we work well together. We’ve learned a lot about promoting teamwork and discipline and it’s been important for my kids to learn those skills at an early age. We also get to participate in other programs at the Y, like swim lessons. The Y has been very good for us.

We are so proud to have Shadae as a member and thank her for her 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.

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YMCA Junior Wolves Program to Host Youth Baseball and Running Camps in December

The YMCA’s Junior Wolves program is here to help youth athletes keep their skills sharp this winter with special baseball and running camps! These clinics, which are open to the community, will be led by Joliet Junior College coaches and student athletes from the baseball and track and field teams. 

Youth Baseball Camp

Monday, December 22 and Tuesday, December 23
Open to ages 5-10
9 a.m.-Noon

This co-ed, two-day camp is designed for players of all abilities who are looking to strengthen their game. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or working to develop their fundamentals, JJC’s coaches and student-athletes will lead campers through key skills, including catching, throwing, hitting, and base running.

Cost: $60

REGISTER TODAY

Youth Running Camp

Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30
9 a.m.-Noon
Open to ages 5-15

This two-day, co-ed camp will help runners build speed, agility, and develop smart running strategies. Perfect for young runners of all skill levels, this camp combines expert instruction with fun drills and games to improve movement, confidence, and endurance. Whether you’re training for track, cross country, or just love to run, you’ll leave this camp faster, sharper, and more excited about running than ever!

Cost: $60

REGISTER TODAY

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Morris Hospital YMCA Member Matt Lapoint

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 Morris Hospital YMCA member and volunteer Matt Lapoint. Matt has served as a volunteer coach for the last six years in a number of YMCA youth sports leagues,  including basketball, flag football, and baseball. Learn more about him in the Q&A below. 

Q: What inspired you to become a YMCA volunteer coach?

I grew up loving sports, playing sports, and watching sports. When I had kids (I have three boys), I knew I wanted to start getting them into it. It’s a thing I look to do to spend time with them and teach them what I know. The more I’ve done it, the more I enjoy doing it.

Q: What kind of support does the Y offer to volunteer coaches?

The staff are always here for you whether it’s on Saturday afternoon, weekday evening, or whenever you need help. They do a really nice job with the coaching clinics and preseason clinics for players. You get introduced to the expectations of the Y, where it’s all about having fun and not a win at all costs attitude. A lot of coaches appreciate that because the focus is on development, not only for players, but coaches as well. 

Q: What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in signing up to be a YMCA volunteer coach? 

If you’re hesitant to jump in because you might not know everything about a sport, you don’t have to worry about that. I’ve never had any issues here at the Y. Y parents are respectful and know it’s all about helping the kids learn.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach?

My older kids are starting to get into the age groups that get to do the postseason tournaments and that’s been exciting. You get to play teams from the other Y branches so I always look forward to that. Overall, it’s nice that you get to see a lot of the same kids each year and see how they progress.

Q: How has participating in YMCA sports programs impacted your family?

The Y puts together good programs and brings the community together. My kids have grown up with the kids and families in the Y community and I know it brings kids together from different schools. You get to know everyone in the area and it’s a rewarding experience.

We are so proud to have Matt as a member 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.

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Strong Teams, Strong Kids: RJ Williams’s Y Story

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.”

YMCA Youth Basketball League participant RJ Williams and his father Robert.

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.

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