YMCA restructures youth sports department

The Alexandria Area YMCA has re-structured its youth sports department as it re-focuses on programming excellence and providing programs that meet the needs of its constituents. In addition to a greater focus on program quality, the YMCA has also adjusted its program pricing to ensure programs are affordable for all.

Gerry Hoelscher was hired as youth sports coordinator. Bringing more than 30 years of coaching experience, he will be responsible for developing the following youth sports programs: basketball, baseball, softball, flag football.

Hoelscher recently retired from elementary teaching in Alexandria, but his passion for youth in the community carries on.

The YMCA also welcomes Melissa Schwartz as the new YMCA gymnastic coordinator. She will develop the following gymnastics-related programs: progressive gymnastics, private lessons, gymnastic dance classes and gymnastic birthday parties.

Schwartz was a student at Billy Anderson School of Dancing for five years and was a U.S. Gymnastics Federation competitive gymnast for nine years at GI Twisters. She has also been a gymnastics director and coach. She is a professional member of the USAG and is safety/risk management certified, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certified.

The first session of YMCA gymnastics-related classes offered under Schwartz’s leadership will begin in early November.

Cahil Collins will continue to oversee aquatics programming and will also be responsible for developing the following youth-related programs: Schools Out Days, youth soccer, youth/teen nights, family nights/programs and leadership development.

Youth sports at the Y will provide a new focus on organized skill development through quality programming, with a faith-based focus to programming for its area youth.

The YMCA will introduce an all-new youth basketball program endorsed and supported by Forrest Witt and Wendy Kohler (Jefferson High School basketball coaches) and players from the Jefferson High School teams.

The YMCA will feature two-sessions of basketball this winter (November-December and January-February).

New YMCA winter programming and the winter program brochure will be available in December. For more information, visit the YMCA website or call the YMCA at (320) 834-9622.

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