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Episode 58: Stephanie Arnold (YMCA Executive Director of Philanthropy)

🎙 In this episode: I talk with Stephanie Arnold, the executive director of philanthropy for the YMCA in Lexington, Kentucky—and a self-proclaimed “YMCA Hype Girl.” We dive into the real mission of the Y: community, inclusion, and making youth sports accessible for everyone. From volunteer coaches to rec leagues, swim-offs to snow days, this one’s for the parents, players, and programs trying to do it for the right reasons.

🔹 Not Just a “Gym and a Swim”
Stephanie explains the true mission of the YMCA—173 years strong—and how it exists first and foremost as a nonprofit focused on community health and wellness.

🔹 A Place for All
From infants to centenarians, the Y is one of the few places where everyone belongs. Judgment-free, inclusive, and intentionally diverse.

🔹 Sports with Purpose
The Y’s sports offerings—like basketball, soccer, swim, and volleyball—aren’t about scholarships or trophies. They’re about connection, growth, and character.

🔹 The “Other Lane”
Stephanie emphasizes the importance of offering a place for kids who want to play, but don’t want to spend thousands or travel every weekend.

🔹 Rec Isn’t Dead (Yet)
As rec leagues continue to disappear, the YMCA steps in to offer a high-quality, low-pressure space to try new things and fall in love with movement.

🔹 Volunteers Make It Happen
Behind every great program are people who care. Stephanie shares why volunteer coaches are the glue—and how to support them.

🔹 Sports Can Be Just for Fun
We talk about the value of playing a “secondary sport” or trying something new just for joy—and why that still counts.

🔹 My Swim-Off Story
I share my proudest youth sports memory—and it had nothing to do with my “main sport” or a championship. Just a relay spot and a moment I’ll never forget.

🔹 The Human Side of Sports
Wins are great, but it’s the friendships, funny stories, and unforgettable moments that stay with us.

🔹 “His Sport is Filmmaking”
Stephanie shares what it’s like parenting a child who doesn’t play sports—and why we need to rethink how we define success.

🔹 A Better Kind of Youth Sports
We explore what it looks like to be professional about the way we run youth sports… but realistic about what really matters.

🔹 Hot Takes & Sun Days
Also: a wild idea to replace snow days with “sun days”… and a few of my truly unhinged serial killer traits.