These junior sports programs are tailored for kids aged 7-10 years old, emphasizing skill development across various sports. Through structured activities, drills, and small sided games, we aim to foster a love for sports while enhancing fundamental skills like coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Meet our Coaches
Junior Ballers – Jill Batye
“My name is Jill Batye. I am originally from a small town called Dutzow. It’s a little over an hour and a half away from Ashland, and similar in size to Hartsburg. I went to Warrenton High School, in Warrenton, Missouri. I’ve been playing basketball all my life. I started playing school ball in 4th grade and playing AAU basketball in 5th grade. I played AAU basketball for the Missouri Rockets throughout grade school and high school. I continued my basketball career by playing for William Woods University. I began my coaching career at a young age. My dad ran the Missouri Rockets AAU program, and I would often sit with him on the bench while he coached the younger teams. I coached a year of JV girl’s basketball at South Callaway during my first year of teaching. I hated to step away from coaching, but I needed to find a better balance between teaching, coaching, and spending time with my family. This is one of the reasons why I absolutely love the opportunity that was offered to me by the Southern Boone Area YMCA. Not only did I miss being around the game of basketball, but as a parent with “littles” I realized that there just weren’t a lot of programs for children under the age of 5 in our area. I wanted to help provide parents and kids in our community a program that focused on sportsmanship, following directions, motor development, and teamwork, while encompassing the game of basketball. The Y and I collaborated and with the help of their amazing staff, we started Little Ballers. I love the game of basketball, seeing the smiles, and hearing the giggles of all the kids. It makes coaching priceless!”
Junior Hitters – Ryan Schmidt
Junior Spikers – Michelle Dooley
“My name is Michelle Dooley. I was born in Wisconsin, but grew up in Chesterfield, MO. I went to Marquette High School, then went to Mizzou and graduated with an undergrad degree in Middle School Math and Science Education in 2012. I have been the freshman/JV and assistant varsity coach at Southern Boone High School since 2019. I grew up playing volleyball, played for my high school, and club from 5th-12 grade. I coached Middle School Volleyball for 3 years in Belton, MO and played on a sand volleyball team for a couple years while living in Kansas City. Volleyball is a part of my life as it is a passion of mine. I love coaching and getting kids to enjoy the love of volleyball as well. I became a Y member a couple years ago and have loved how they support the community and play a vital role in youth sports and education. I am happy to help instill this with the passion I have for volleyball. I think teaming up with the Y will make our Southern Boone volleyball program even better.”
