At NPSC, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our programs, and this month, we are thrilled to honor Justin King as Volunteer of the Month! Justin’s dedication to youth soccer goes far beyond coaching; it’s about connection, growth, and the joy of the game. Justin was motivated to volunteer to be actively involved in his children’s teams while deepening his own appreciation for soccer. From the very beginning, he approached volunteering with curiosity and an open mind, eager to learn alongside the players and share in their growth. For Justin, the rewards of volunteering have been twofold. First, he has cherished the special bond formed with his son and daughter as they navigated learning the game together. Those moments on the field, celebrating successes, tackling challenges, and discovering new skills, have created lasting memories for their family. Second, Justin has experienced the profound impact of connecting with the other players. Each practice and game brings a unique dynamic as he engages with the kids’ personalities, encouraging them through playful challenges, back-and-forth interactions, and individual growth moments. To Justin, every interaction is meaningful, every smile or achievement is priceless. When asked what advice he would share with new volunteers, Justin’s message is simple: “Just give it a shot. Celebrate the smallest growth in a player as a win, and most importantly, have fun. That’s what makes it all come together.” Justin’s enthusiasm, patience, and commitment exemplify what it means to make a difference in the lives of young athletes. We are grateful for his contributions, and we celebrate the positive energy he brings to the field every day. Thank you, Justin, for your dedication and passion—NPSC is lucky to have you!
This month, we’re proud to celebrate Coach Craig MacDonald , our Coach of the Month and the one of the coaches supporting NPSC’s elementary school volleyball team . Craig’s coaching style perfectly reflects what youth sports are all about: growth, learning, and the pure joy of seeing kids believe in themselves. When asked what he enjoys most about coaching, Coach MacDonald doesn’t hesitate: “The best part of coaching is seeing the improvement over the course of a season.” Whether it’s watching a player finally connect on a serve, understand team rotation, or simply smile with new confidence, Coach MacDonald finds fulfillment in those moments of progress that make all the difference. This fall has been particularly special for him. “I have a lot of returning kids from the spring, so seeing their growth over the summer and the level of confidence that has increased since the spring has been the most rewarding part,” Coach MacDonald shared. The players’ hard work, and his commitment to helping them reach their potential, shine through every week. When it comes to what inspires him as a coach, Coach MacDonald's answer is deeply personal: “It has to be my dad, who was always involved as a coach when I was growing up. I’m just trying to do the same for my daughters.” That sense of legacy and love of the game carries through in the patience, encouragement, and genuine care with which he leads his teams. Thank you, Coach MacDonald, for your dedication to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring our young athletes. Your influence extends far beyond the volleyball court—you’re helping shape confidence, teamwork, and lifelong enthusiasm for sports. Congratulations on being NPSC’s Coach of the Month!
This month, NPSC is proud to highlight flag football athlete Desmond Bennett from the Bucs as our Athlete of the Month! Over the past couple of seasons, Desmond has become a cornerstone of his team’s defense. He's an athlete who plays with determination, discipline, and heart every time he steps on the field. Desmond’s growth as a player has been remarkable to watch. Each game and every drive reveal how much effort he puts into improving his play. His defensive instincts and relentless pursuit of the ball make him a standout on the field. When tasked with getting the flag, Desmond rarely misses; and on the rare occasions he does, you can count on him to chase the play down or steer the runner into the path of a teammate. His “never quit” mentality inspires everyone around him and sets the tone for the team’s defensive effort. Off the field, Desmond’s strong character reflects the values instilled by his family. His sportsmanship, positive attitude, and work ethic shine during both practices and games—qualities that don’t go unnoticed by coaches, teammates, and spectators alike. Desmond Bennett represents what it means to be a true competitor: focused, hardworking, and dedicated to his team. His commitment to giving his best effort, play after play, is exactly why he has earned this nomination for Athlete of the Month. Congratulations, Desmond!
