Kate Douglass is a senior at Mamaroneck High School. She has been volunteering with Backyard Sports Cares since she was a freshman and will be serving as the President of the Backyard Sports Cares Club at her high school this year.
If someone asked you what makes Backyard Sports Cares special, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that you are immediately welcomed into the BYSC community by the young athletes, their families, and the other volunteers. Everyone is there because they love kids, they want to help create inclusive experiences and they want to have fun. It’s been a really important part of my high school experience, and I always encourage friends to join.
When you look back at your time working as a volunteer, what is your favorite memory?
One of my favorite memories from my time spent volunteering for BYSC is my experience coaching the George Washington Elementary Girls basketball team. I remember at the end of the last practice, the girls came up to me with two thank you posters signed by every member of the team, and then tackled me into a bear hug. This was such a special moment to me because it showed me that our time together was not just meaningful to me, but to them as well. I actually still have the posters on display in my room!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced working as a volunteer at BYSC?
The biggest challenge I have faced as a volunteer at BYSC is learning how to work with children of all different abilities. You always have to be able to think on your feet about how to modify a drill and to encourage your athlete to step outside their comfort zone. It’s also always important to ensure the athlete feels proud of their success, which can look different for everyone.
What have you most enjoyed about your time working as a volunteer at BYSC?
One of the things I have enjoyed most about volunteering for BYSC is the friendship I have formed with my athlete Lindsay. I have spent almost every Sunday with her since my freshman year of high school, and I am now entering my senior year! Not only have I loved getting to know her and forming a friendship, but spending time with Lindsay has also taught me so much about dedication and perseverance.
