Columns

Elevating To Excellence

For years, NAYS has presented its Excellence in Youth Sports Awards to communities going above and beyond to make their programs as safe and positive as possible.

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Columns 3 min read

An Aggressive Life

I had been out of college for several years and had worked steadily. I banked a decent amount of savings.

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Columns 5 min read

Cultivating A Thriving Community

When passion meets purpose, extraordinary things happen—and Jennifer Prater is living proof.

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Columns 4 min read

The People, The Attitude, The Purpose

As I led my assigned projects, I noticed a common thread was the camaraderie. The employees respected each other on a level unlike anything I had ever seen.

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Columns 6 min read

Quality volunteers are the backbone of any successful youth-sports organization. I’m often reminded of this while reviewing our finalists’ nominations for the national volunteer parent and volunteer coach of the year awards.

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Columns 5 min read

A Moment For Gratitude

Finding the good in our worst moments The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the

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Columns 6 min read

The Core Four

My dad used to tell me that if you can’t explain to someone what you do during a short elevator ride, your business is too complicated.

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Columns 3 min read

Timeless Workplace Rules

There is one fact on Earth—no one is flawless. People make mistakes, and sometimes they’re the type that “stay with you.”

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Columns 5 min read

Defeating Depression

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Columns 3 min read

Moments, Impressions, Improvements

In 1976, I worked at a local pizza joint after school. One of the managers was an older gentleman and a “jack-of-all-trades.” In addition to the daily register count, he painted, repaired, fixed, and stocked all day long.

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Columns 4 min read

Emphasizing Enthusiasm

In the world of youth sports, where developing skills and building character go hand in hand, the coach’s role is critical. Coaches are more than instructors; they are mentors, motivators, and role models.

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Columns 3 min read

Built On Trust

The plumber that my dad hired came up the basement steps slowly, shaking his head (for dramatic effect, I thought). He sat at the kitchen table and let out a long, loud exhale.

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Columns 5 min read

Elevating To Excellence

An Aggressive Life

Cultivating A Thriving Community

The People, The Attitude, The Purpose

The Many Forms Of Leadership

A Moment For Gratitude

The Core Four

Timeless Workplace Rules

Defeating Depression

Moments, Impressions, Improvements

Emphasizing Enthusiasm

Built On Trust