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.”
Little Spikers – Trevor Roebke
“Hi! My name is Trevor Roebke. I am originally from Strafford, Missouri, received my bachelor’s degree from Central Methodist University in Fayette, and currently live in Columbia while teaching 4th grade at Southern Boone Elementary. Volleyball is definitely my passion as I am often found playing (sand, court, grass, you name it), watching, or coaching the sport. I currently coach the Middle School volleyball team here at Southern Boone (Go Eagles!) and have been involved with the YMCA and Little Spikers for the past two years. Little Spikers has been my highlight each year as I get to teach some volleyball to the most energetic, fun, and awesome kids around through interactive and fast paced activities.”
