Ross Farnsworth - East Valley Family YMCA

★Julie W

Throughout the club volleyball season w/ coach Ashley D, there appeared to be a very obvious difference in how certain players were treated based on whether they were personally favored by the coach. Unfortunately, my daughter consistently fell into the group of players who appeared disliked, and the difference in treatment became impossible to ignore. Concerns regarding team bullying were brought forward, yet nothing was done by the coach to properly address or correct the behavior. Even on the court you could see and hear the bullying even those in bleachers would comment. Instead of creating a supportive and encouraging team environment, the atmosphere was exclusionary, emotionally discouraging for certain players. Ashley’s behavior toward players she appeared not to favor was also noticeably different. She would visibly roll her eyes at mistakes, appear frustrated or curse under her breath it would appear , and quickly remove those players from the court after minor errors. Meanwhile, players she favored were consistently encouraged, reassured when making the exact same mistakes, including missed balls &missed serves. There were also clear inconsistencies in discipline players she did not favor could arrive 1 min late to practice &immediately be required to run laps. Yet during that same practice, 2players she clearly favored arrived 5&6 min late & welcomed with smiles, friendly greetings & no consequence. Serving opportunities were another obvious issue. My daughter was repeatedly denied opportunities to serve despite being fully capable. Meanwhile, favored players were continually allowed to serve, even after repeatedly falling short, hitting the net, or making errors. At no point was my daughter given equal opportunity despite demonstrating the ability to perform the role. Additionally, when my daughter asked for assistance or guidance to improve, she was dismissed. we sought private instruction elsewhere. The coach working with her privately said she was a wonderful player with strong potential and shed confidently play her in all positions if she were on her team. Hearing that only reinforced our concern that the issue was not ability, but rather unequal treatment. My daughter missed 2 practices due to illness w/fever. As a result, we were informed she would barely play in the following tournament. She ended up playing ten min total across all 3rounds combined. Meanwhile, other players who missed practices for vacations, school activities, or other hobbies faced no consequence at all. the behavior continued through the final club photo night. The players who were not favored politely asked to take a third photo together after individual photos had already been completed and 3rd including their individual photos and Ashley rolled her eyes, ignored them, and walked away. Meanwhile, favored players were allowed to take numerous photos — often five or more each — while Ashley smiled, laughed, and actively participated with them. What made this particularly upsetting was that Ashley had also been informed beforehand that my daughter would be attending photo night only three days post-operation from surgery. I specifically reached out asking what time we should arrive because she could not sit comfortably and we were trying to make the process as quick as possible for her. Ashley instructed us to come at 7:00 PM only for us to arrive and wait because she herself was approximately fifteen minutes late. Once photos began, individual photos were started first instead of team photos, which unnecessarily prolonged the evening for a child recovering from surgery. I fully understand that coaching involves difficult decisions and balancing team dynamics. However, this went far beyond coaching decisions. The repeated inconsistency, favoritism, dismissive behavior, and unequal treatment toward certain children created an unhealthy environment that negatively impacted my daughter’s confidence and overall experience. Not to mention is not at all what YMCA claims to stand by for a motto.

★★★★★Lacy

Coach Kelcie has been absolutely amazing for my daughter’s itty bitty tumbling class. She has such a natural ability to run a class full of strong, independent little personalities and she does it with patience, structure, and so much kindness. My daughter definitely marches to the beat of her own drum, and instead of making her feel singled out or “too much,” Kelcie meets her where she’s at. She keeps the class flowing while still making every child feel included, supported, and accepted. That balance is not easy, and she handles it beautifully. The growth I’ve seen in my daughter since starting this class has been incrediblenot just physically, but socially too. She’s learning how to be part of a group, follow directions, and build confidence, all in an environment where she feels safe and encouraged. I truly appreciate the impact Kelcie has had on my daughter’s experience. You can tell she genuinely cares about the kids, and it shows in everything she does. We love this class and are so grateful for her!

★★★David Kohr

If you saw my previous, longer post. The Director at Ross Farnsworth, Greg, did reach out and we were able to resolve the issue. I'm thankful for that. After school program is ok. Sports are hit or miss since they rely on parent volunteers to be coaches. My daughter attended the after school program and didn't like it, she's also played several seasons of volleyball throughout the years. The volleyball has been hit or miss. There were a couple times we had some really bad coaches. In the end, if you are going to play I would recommend signing up for the competitive league over the recreational.

★★★★★DJK 2816

I enquired and a young man named Larry demonstrated the utmost interest and kindness...it is that enthusiasm and respect that influenced my decision to join even though it cost a lil more. Kindness cost nothing but is invaluable. Encourage him please and let him know it goes not unnoticed or cherished

★★★★★Michelle Lamport

We really enjoyed visiting the East Valley YMCA today! It looks like an excellent clean updated facility. My daughter played on the volleyball team here for her first game with the team and the parents turn out was awesome! Please allow me this opportunity to brag some pictures of my daughter, number one Jersey