These littles programs are designed for children 3-6 years old. These non-competitive, fun clinics help prepare them for organized sports. Children will grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually through skill development and fun team-based games.
Meet our Coaches
Little 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!”
Little Kickers – Josh Pridemore
“My name is Josh Pridemore, I grew up in Ashland and went to Southern Boone high school, and now am a sophomore at Mizzou. I’ve played soccer since I was 4, on a mix of rec, club, and Varsity level teams. I was an all-state player and one of the captains on the 2020 state championship team, and have coached many teams over the years, from 5 year olds all the way up to high schoolers. My family and I have been members at the Y for a number of years, and I have previously coached a series of summer youth practices at the Y for elementary age through high school aged players.”
