St. George coach launches nonprofit to expand youth sports opportunities

In St. George, Utah, a dedicated coach has taken a significant step to make youth sports more accessible. Jessica Young, the varsity assistant volleyball coach at Desert Hills High School, has founded Desert Valley Sports, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing affordable athletic opportunities for local children.

 

"We're getting some amazing athletes out of the program that otherwise probably never would have even looked or even attempted to play volleyball," Young shared. "And that's why we're doing it. It's making a difference."

 

Desert Valley Sports focuses on building skills, fostering teamwork, and creating pathways into Southern Utah high school sports through an inclusive border league. While volleyball is Young's passion, the league is open to others who want to use the platform to build similar programs in different sports.

 

The organization collaborates with high school head coaches, adhering to Utah High School Activities Association rules that limit direct contact with future players. Program managers, often parent volunteers, serve as liaisons, organizing practices and coordinating with coaches. This structure emphasizes community building and helps younger athletes feel connected to their future high school programs.

 

In its second year, Desert Valley Sports partnered with Nets on Fire, significantly expanding its reach. The girls' volleyball league grew from five schools and 16 teams in its first season to 41 teams from 11 schools in the second season. The league now includes grades 5-8, providing more opportunities for young athletes.

 

Boys' volleyball is also gaining traction. The inaugural season in spring 2025 included six teams from five schools. The upcoming season, set to begin in March 2026, has more than doubled in size, with 15 teams representing seven schools.

 

The league offers five weeks of gameplay, culminating in an end-of-season tournament where championships are crowned in the "Battle of the School." Multiple divisions allow schools to register teams based on skill level, ensuring more equal matchups and a positive experience for all participants.

 

Desert Valley Sports also provides free coaching clinics for all volunteer coaches, led by a board of directors with coaching experience and guest instructors. This initiative addresses the community's need for trained coaches and has been a success.

 

Young's motivation stems from her own experiences and observations. "I was really surprised at how many kids we have here and how few actually get to participate in their school sports," she said. "And to me, that was a little bit saddening."

 

Desert Valley Sports relies on donations to keep costs low for families. Young is exploring scholarship options and ways to secure practice space, as access to school gyms remains one of the organization's biggest challenges.

 

For more information, to register, or to support the league, visit Desert Valley Sports online www.desertvalleysports.com. The nonprofit also shares updates and highlights on Instagram and Facebook, giving families and fans a way to follow the league's growth and successes.