Connection to The Yard​​

• What drew you to coach at The Yard?
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  • ​For me it was honestly word of mouth. Brian heard about me before the Yard opened and he reached out to let me know that they were looking for a pitching coach for softball. It was definitely an opportunity that I was excited about because I love helping kids reach their goals. Especially kids in Salina, KS (my hometown).  
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• What do you love most about working with youth athletes here?
   

  • I was born and raised in Salina, KS. I went to South High and it really is a great feeling to know that I am helping kids from my hometown and surrounding area. There is so much talent around here and I am just blessed to be a part of their journey.
    
    
    Coaching Philosophy & Impact
     

• How do you define success for the kids you train?
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  • I want all of my athletes to be happy about where they are at. Every athlete progresses at different levels and times and so success is determined by each individual and what their goals are. When we see growth toward those goals then we know we are being successful. 
     

• What’s one moment this year that reminded you why you coach?
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  • A young lady that I have coached since she was about 10 or 11 years old is now in college. She reached out to let me know that she was going on her first D1 visit. She has put so much time and effort into pitching, and it is amazing to get to see her be a powerhouse at the college level and know that major schools see the talent that I have seen all these years. Playing at the next level was her goal and to know that it came true is a reminder that coaching makes a difference.
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• What’s a lesson you try to teach that goes beyond the game?
   

  • Respect! I really try to teach my athletes that there is life after sports and people are always going to remember how you treat them. Show kindness and stay humble because you could be on top of the mountain today but there may be a time when you’re not and you will want people in corner that you can count on. You don’t want to look to your corner and realize that no one is there.
    
    
    On Growth & Community
     

• How have you seen kids grow through training, not just as athletes, but as people?
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  • I have seen my girls grow as students, going from high school to college. I have got to see them in the church singing and dancing. I see them doing community service throughout the year. I even get to see my older girls teaching girls that are just starting to pitch and that warms my heart.
     

• Why do you believe this type of training and mentorship matters in a community like Salina?
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  • There is so much talent right here in Salina and I believe that if children have people in their corner who truly believe in them and want the best for them then they will be successful. I get to see shy kids start a sport and truly come out of their shell. In coaching/training I get to see kids grow as athletes and as people in the community. I want these kids to grow up and be successful in life not just in sport, that is why the things that we do at The Yard are important.
    
    
    Looking Ahead
     

• What excites you about what’s coming in 2026 at The Yard?
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  • The Yard is growing, and the athletes are getting better. I am excited to see all the programs that we are starting up at The Yard because I know that it continues to give kids opportunities that many of us did not have growing up.
     

• If you could tell every supporter/donor one thing, what would it be?
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  • Thank you to all the supporters and donors that have given to The Yard Charities. Your donations make a difference in the lives of so many people in our community. Again, thank you and God Bless.