Stars started on youth teams

People know that when it comes to The Examiner – and by extension SportsMonthly – high school sports are our specialty.
But pretty much every single Kyle Barbeck and Kyle Gehrs were playing youth baseball before making their names on the high school scene.
Before winning a district championship for Truman or Blue Springs South last year, soccer players like Sharaya Sidebottom and Sarah Franklin were at one point playing “herd ball” and getting excited for orange slices at halftime and ice cream after the game.
Yes, before they were stars, they were precocious, tiny athletes running around the field learning the game.
That’s what’s great about youth sports – it’s how you learn the game.
I remember my days of wearing an oversized hat, glove and uniform, hanging out in right field wondering if a ball was ever going to be hit to me.
I remember running up and down a sideline in brand new shin guards, hearing my mom and the parents of my friends cheering for me after I would score a goal – even if it was supposed to be a pass.
There’s something great about these teams and these times.
So what we decided to focus on this month is how some of the top high school athletes of today grew up playing the game and how they continue to use these teams to refine their skills.
Take Truman’s Taryn Nash. She’s not just a standout for the Patriots in soccer and volleyball. She’s also playing on competitive teams around the nation in both sports – often while one high school season is going on.
Oh yeah, she’s also excelling in the classroom.
As someone who has coached young soccer players, my hat is off to all those who dedicate time to help teach children the game and help teach them sportsmanship and how to be a winner on the field and off. I know I remember my old youth sports coaches, and I’m sure these kids will remember their coaches for the rest of their lives.
To reach Jason Tarwater, SportsMonthly Director, call 816-350-6348 or e-mail jason.tarwater@examiner.net.