NYS was a complete blessing for my daughter and our family! She's been in the volleyball program since she was 9 and eagerly looked forward to playing every season. Now that she's older, she's realizing that she can take the skills she's learned, and apply it to high school sports, and in life, as well. Our family really bonded over the "volleyball life" and YES, I eventually ended up coaching her team! At first, I was that parent trying to point out the "have not's" and aim my spotlight at the things NYS "should provide". But something told me (this is not about you) this was an opportunity to make an impact in the life of a child, even someone else's child, at that. As I reflect on what my daughter experienced at NYS, I realize there are much bigger things to be thankful for. Like, the memories, the friendships, and the love of a sport she would've easily just been a spectator to/for. Instead, she became an athlete, a participant, a teammate, and a friend. The blessings came through lessons of humility, grace, sportsmanship, self esteem, respect, teamwork, leadership,... etc. I'm glad I got to experience this with my daughter! Thank you NYS!