Up2Us Sports coaches are leaders in the field of sports-based youth development (SBYD), but they often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Coaches' Corner is our way to show our appreciation for our incredible coaches who make positive change in their communities every day!
This month, we spoke with Kayla, a coach at Youth Enrichment Services (YES) in Boston.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we spoke with Coach Kayla, an Up2Us Coach at Youth Enrichment Services (YES) in Boston, Massachusetts. A native of nearby Quincy, Massachusetts, Kayla is an avid outdoorsman and lover of skiing and rock climbing. Kayla has been serving with Up2Us Sports since June of 2022.
Coach Kayla is currently enrolled in the Master Of Public Health Program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services (MCPHS) in Boston. She first learned about Up2Us Sports and YES while in high school when she participated in a one day ski trip with YES. She explains that after that trip she became invested in their programs. Coach Kayla now works as an activity captain for a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, rock climbing, water paddle sports, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing.
When asked about how she hopes to inspire her athletes through representation as a coach of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage, she answered:
“I hope my identity as an Asian American can give youth the opportunity to realize they can also do many different outdoor activities no matter where they come from. For many of our youth, it is their first time doing these outdoor activities, whether it be skiing or biking, or kayaking. A lot of the outdoor activities I coach are also activities that are new to me, and I am also learning along with them. I hope by opening up and being vulnerable to my youth, I can also offer encouragement to show them we can all learn and work through challenges together.”
“I hope my identity as an Asian American can give youth the opportunity to realize they can also do many different outdoor activities no matter where they come from. ”
As a versatile coach who has adapted herself to a variety of different sports, Coach Kayla is an inspiration to fellow coaches and athletes alike. When asked about what the biggest lesson she has learned as a coach has been, she said:
“I’ve learned about patience, respect, and the importance of building trust with my youth. I work with a lot of different youth who come from different cultures and backgrounds. I understand that my youth may be going through difficult times outside of programming, and there are other stressors that may impact their behavior. It is definitely a work in progress to build a relationship with my youth, and it is not always simple. With transparency and patience, they will eventually build that trust with me and be more open.”
Coach Kayla has proven through her patience and inclusive coaching practices that she gets along with everyone she works with. By providing a trusting and open environment, Coach Kayla is showing her skill as a confident leader, whom her athletes can trust. When asked what her biggest accomplishment as a coach has been, Kayla explained:
“Many of our youth at YES frequently come back to programming and are able to further improve their skills on an activity over time. I feel my biggest accomplishment while working during programming is seeing my youth being able to perform the activity on their own! I’ve seen youth ride a bike for the first time, be able to paddle a kayak on their own, and make turns on skis. I think the first moment, the first few seconds they are able to do the activity on their own, is a stepping stone in their journey to becoming really good at what they're doing. It is an accomplishment for me to realize I was able to assist in that step and I feel proud of them because of their will to continue.”
“I think the first moment, the first few seconds they are able to do the activity on their own, is a stepping stone in their journey to becoming really good at what they’re doing. It is an accomplishment for me to realize I was able to assist in that step and I feel proud of them because of their will to continue.” ”
As a role model for her athletes, Kayla has taught her athletes that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and dignity. As a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, she has made it her mission to disable the label, and to help get rid of any negative stereotypes her athletes may face in the sports they play. Through an inclusive attitude and way of thinking, Kayla had created a safe sports environment for all. When asked about working with athletes who identified as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, she said:
“Yes, I’ve worked with some youth who identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. I think it is amazing that our program's youth are so diverse and I am able to learn a lot about them and build that relationship with them.”
As for what Coach Kayla likes most about coaching, she explained:
“I enjoy seeing my youth be exposed to outdoor activities that they’ve never done before. It’s great seeing them try new things, overcome their fears, and see them improve over time. My favorite moments are when I see my youth struggling, yet they choose to continue. It shows a lot of bravery and confidence and I always feel very proud. My hope for them is to remember where they were able to try these activities in the first place, and remember how they felt when they overcame challenges.”
“My favorite moments are when I see my youth struggling, yet they choose to continue. It shows a lot of bravery and confidence and I always feel very proud. ”
When asked if there were any cool facts about herself that she would like to share, she said: “Outside of work and school, I enjoy going to the gym, taking walks outside, and hanging out with friends and family. As for what’s next for Coach Kayla? She will continue to be a strong leader and role model for her athletes at YES, representing Up2Us Sports and Boston.
Thank you Coach Kayla for all of the hard work you have done with your athletes. As they progress, and grow into their abilities, they will look back fondly on your coaching, and all that you have helped them accomplish
Kayla has served as an Up2Us Sports coach at Youth Enrichment Services (YES) in Boston, MA since June 2022 thanks to support from AmeriCorps.
