PRICELESS
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson
In my nearly 4 years of tenure at the Minerva Y, I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know some of our volunteers. Two stand out and truly exemplify what it means to give your time and talent and pour it into our youth. For as long as I can remember, Steffany and Mathias have volunteered at the Minerva Y in various roles from coaching youth sports to leading Women’s Volleyball.
It is not just the litany of programs that the couple have coached but more the heart in which they serve. Mathias and Steffany learn all of the children’s names; they positively reinforce good efforts and skills, and try to make sure the environment is fun. They do play to win; however, they focus on skills and fun.
This is especially evident in the Ys boys’ basketball league. The boys on the Ys league will go to school and tell their friends about the fun they have and sure enough kids are still signing up for the league after a week in. The program has expanded in the two years that the couple has coached and the kids have a sense of ‘brotherhood’ while on the team. The kids have enjoyed it so much that the Locklear’s have helped to start a summer basketball league.
Their love, positive and encouraging spirit is so contagious that one of our 2nd grade youth girls had switched to the Locklear’s team. A fairly quiet and shy girl, Traci has really learned to thrive and have fun on Mathias and Steffany’s team.
Her prior coach was focused on winning, which at times he didn’t always give all youth fair playing time. Mathais and Steffany are very aware of playing time, and make sure that the youth have fair playing time, which helps them develop skills.
Thank you to the Locklears and the many other volunteers we have at our Branch and throughout the Ys. We are better together!