Photo Credit: Courtesy of NAYS
Growing up in the 1960s, Jeff Berthney’s days were filled with playing sports—from all-day sessions with neighborhood pals to taking part in a variety of organized programs.
“Although my dad was in the Navy, my mom saw to it that I was always involved in sports,” Berthney says. “Since she did not drive, she did not see me play all the time. As one of the kids who walked to practices and games by myself, I remember how I felt. My mom did the best she could, and I thanked her all the time, but I would see all the kids who had family there at every practice and game, and I couldn’t help wishing that could be me.”
The efforts of the outstanding volunteer coaches that he played for—memories Berthney still cherishes decades later—helped fuel a passion to want to make a difference himself someday.