Creating Space for Teens to Belong — A Conversation with Leah Willig
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by Leah Willig, the Y’s Director of Teen Programs. Leah brings over a decade of youth development experience, having spent years leading impactful programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta before joining the Y. Her work has always focused on creating spaces where teens can explore who they are, connect, and envision what’s possible in their futures. At the Y, Leah is leading efforts to expand and elevate teen programming across our association from monthly Teen Nights that bring youth together in fun, safe environments to academic and...
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Fueling the Y’s Impact: When Companies Listen to What Communities Need
(Y) Connect
Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by a powerhouse leader whose commitment to purpose and community is shaping what corporate social responsibility looks like in Metro Atlanta and beyond, Carley Stephens, Director of Corporate Giving at Gas South and Executive Director of the Cobb EMC Foundation. Gas South, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, is one of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s most generous corporate partners, giving not only through financial support but also through the countless volunteer hours employees dedicate to helping others. Carley is known for leading with heart and...
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Fan Favorite: Building Community through Fitness at the Y
(Y) Connect
When people join the YMCA, they have access to more than 3,000 group fitness classes. The Y offers everything from cycling to dance to yoga, flexibility, strength and more, all of which impact a person’s overall physical, mental and emotional health. As our guests explain, perhaps one of the best parts of these classes is the close-knit community that is formed as a result. IN THIS EPISODE: 02:13 Jennifer describes what goes on in determining the variety of classes offered at the Y and how a participant determines which class they should take depending on their fitness level 04:23 Maura...
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Beyond Weight Loss: Jim’s Transformation Through Coaching & Community
(Y) Connect
We have two inspiring guests today. Jim Snoddy, a member of the Robert D. Fowler Family Y, who has lost nearly 100 pounds through the YMCA’s supportive wellness programs, and Beth Girmay, the health & wellness instructor who has guided Jim every step of the way. Jim also serves on the Branch Community Engagement Board, which, as I understand it, plays pickleball almost every day. Today, we’re discussing transformation, body, mind, habits and the role of coaching, community, consistency, and mindset. We’ll delve into how the YMCA’s Coach Approach & Weight Loss For Life programs...
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Ep. 71 From YMCA to Team USA: Kari Knotts’ Volleyball Journey
(Y) Connect
On today’s episode of (Y) Connect, we’re joined by someone who’s already making waves on the national stage while still just beginning her high school journey. At only 14 years old, Kari Knotts has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in U.S. volleyball. Kari is a freshman at The Lovett School, a proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, and a fierce competitor for A5 Volleyball Club. She recently became the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, where she was named both MVP and Best Spiker at the Pan-American Cup. From her start at the YMCA to winning...
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Fan Favorite: Facing Forsyth County's Past & Honoring Its Descendants
(Y) Connect
In this Fan Favorite Episode, we delve into a story of resilience, reconciliation, and community spirit. Forsyth County, with its complex history, is making strides towards healing and inclusivity. Joining us on (Y) Connect is Durwood Sneed, an organizer of the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship, a pivotal initiative aimed at honoring and supporting the descendants of those who were unjustly expelled from the county, a racial cleansing campaign that took place in 1912 forcing Black residents out of the county. Additionally, we are joined by Joshua Byrd, a descendant who bravely returned to...
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Ep. 70 Tribute to AmeriCorps at the Y
(Y) Connect
Welcome to Y Connect, where we spotlight the people and programs shaping impact across the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. In this episode, we’re honored to feature two leaders whose journeys through AmeriCorps have left a lasting imprint on our communities. Stacia Herbert, AmeriCorps Health and Wellness Advocate at the South DeKalb YMCA, has led transformative initiatives—from launching a community garden and food pantry to hosting nutrition workshops and building partnerships that support young mothers. Her work has been so impactful that the YMCA of the USA plans to feature her story nationally....
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Ep. 69 Dr. Lori Duckett on Inclusion & Impact at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated. In today’s episode, we’ll hear how Dr. Duckett’s medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and...
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Ep. 68 Feedback Fuels the Y’s Summer Camp Experience
(Y) Connect
At the Y, summer is our Super Bowl—a season of high energy, big moments, and unforgettable memories for thousands of kids in our summer day camps. Today, we’re joined by two incredible youth development leaders: Ashley Baker from the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA and Aminata Lawton-Edwards from the Decatur Family YMCA. They’re not only shaping amazing camp experiences—they’re also listening closely to what families are telling us through surveys and using that feedback to make camp even better. We’ll talk about what makes Y day camp special, what we’re learning from families, and how...
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Ep. 67 Fan Favorite: A 7-Year-Old and His Y Heroes
(Y) Connect
In this fan favorite episode of the Y Connect podcast, you’ll meet Oliver and his mom, Juliet. Oliver is a remarkable seven-year-old young man and Y member with a heart as big as the state of Georgia. We invite you to hear his story of extraordinary gratitude. It’s a story that will inspire you and remind you what it means to be a superhero. IN THIS EPISODE: (02:16) Oliver shares his Y story and talks about what inspired him to give gifts to the Y staff (05:01) Juliet tells how she reacted when Oliver made his request (07:20) Oliver is overwhelmed by how the staff at the Y...
info_outlineOn today’s episode of (Y) Connect, we’re joined by someone who’s already making waves on the national stage while still just beginning her high school journey. At only 14 years old, Kari Knotts has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in U.S. volleyball.
Kari is a freshman at The Lovett School, a proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, and a fierce competitor for A5 Volleyball Club. She recently became the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, where she was named both MVP and Best Spiker at the Pan-American Cup.
From her start at the YMCA to winning MVP on the international stage, Kari Knotts joins us to share her inspiring volleyball journey.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (00:00) Intro: Allsion and Robert welcome today’s guest
- (02:21) Kari shares her first memories of playing volleyball at the YMCA and becoming the youngest member of Team USA U19
- (04:19) The moment Kari was selected for Team USA and the demanding schedule required to balance her commitments
- (06:34) Finding motivation through faith, family support, and joy for the sport
- (07:22) Lessons from volleyball: discipline, teamwork, and communication
- (08:17) Staying grounded in humility by being thankful to God for his blessing
- (08:48) Kari shares future goals: the Olympics, pursuing college and maintaining a passion for sports
- (10:50) Kari expresses gratitude to teammates and coaches, and she advises children interested in volleyball
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Starting at the YMCA, Kari built strong fundamentals in volleyball and showed how community support can spark lifelong inspiration.
- Balancing training, high school, and national competition requires discipline, motivation, and support from family, teammates and coaches.
- Staying grounded in humility while chasing big future goals—including dreams of the Olympics—keeps this young athlete focused and grateful.
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BIOGRAPHY:
Kari Knotts is a 14-year-old standout athlete and proud member of the Northeast Cobb Family YMCA. A freshman at The Lovett School (Class of 2029), Kari has already built an impressive volleyball résumé. Standing 6’3” with a 10’9” approach, she competes with A5 Volleyball Club on the elite 16-1 Gabe’s team as an outside hitter.
Kari recently made history as the youngest member of the U19 USA National Volleyball Team, earning both MVP and Best Spiker honors at the 2025 U19 Pan-American Cup in Canada. She is also part of the National Training and Development Program, designed to prepare high-potential athletes for international competition.
Her teams have captured multiple national titles—including two USAV National Championships, three AAU National Championships, and two Triple Crown titles—with Kari securing MVP honors at 12U, 13U, and 14U. Despite her many accomplishments, she remains grounded, crediting her YMCA beginnings for shaping her love of the game and community.