By Matt Browning
Volunteering at the YMCA started as a requirement for National Honors Society in high school for Daisee Kohman.
Now it’s become so much more than a requirement.
“What started as a requirement quickly turned into a passion,” Kohman said. “I enjoyed it so much that I decided to continue volunteering after I graduated. I started coaching soccer but recently started coaching basketball and helping with the Micro Clinics.”
Kohman feels called to volunteer at the YMCA and make the world for the kids a better place.
“I believe God calls us to serve others whether that’s through our resources or our time,” Kohman said. “Volunteering at the YMCA is my way of answering that call. And it’s a small way I can give back to others and try to make a positive impact on the world.”
Being able to work a flexible job makes life easier for Kohman when she is coaching, especially during the hectic summer months.
Getting to watch her players improve as not only players, but people as well, is one of the most gratifying aspects of volunteering.
“One of my favorite memories was from this past year, coaching my second and grade grade basketball team,” Kohman said. “We had a rough start to the season, and I could tell the kids were feeling a little discouraged. But around our fifth game or sixth game, something clicked and they came out and played their hearts out. With about four minutes left in the game, one of my players came up to me and pointed out that everyone on the team had scored but one player. Without any prompting, they made the decision as a team to make sure that player scored before the end of the game. And they did.”
