Why Our Legends Say "YES" to certification
My My introduction to BYOP® (Bring Your Own Parent) was attending Ruth Nelson’s session at the AVCA Convention. Ruth’s ability to present step-by-step youth skill progressions in a structured and enjoyable way was truly inspiring. She makes learning fun by using bright-colored shirts and balls, useful home training materials, and simple cue words that kids can relate to. What stood out most was how she created incredible opportunities for the kids. She gave them adorable matching outfits, which fostered a sense of belonging and identity. She introduced them to high-profile coaches, helping them envision what it means to be part of the volleyball family. Ruth’s GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer Certification is equally remarkable. It equips recreational directors, parents, and youth coaches with tools built on her 25+ years of expertise in training kids ages 12 and under. This program is the ultimate way to experience Ruth’s passion for educating and mentoring future coaches while providing actionable techniques for skill development. Ruth Nelson is, without question, the most creative volleyball coach I know. Her ability to embrace innovative approaches brings energy and fun to every practice. I invited her to work with my collegiate team during preseason, and her innovative drills challenged my players in ways that directly translated to game-like experiences on the court. Her approach has forever changed how I think about practice design, skill development, and building solid and intentional relationships with my student-athletes—all while keeping the process fun. Ruth has been an incredible mentor to me, and being part of her coaching circle has been an honor. I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing the GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer Certification if you train kids ages 11 and under. For those looking to engage parents in their child’s development, the BYOP® Instructor Certification is an invaluable opportunity to establish your own local BYOP® program. Ruth Nelson’s programs are game-changers for youth sports and coaching.
Candace Moats, Head Coach, Indiana Wesleyan University,
3X NAIA National Championship Team
Candace Moats, Head Coach, Indiana Wesleyan University,
3X NAIA National Championship Team
Having known Ruth since my undergraduate years, when she was my badminton instructor, I have witnessed her remarkable journey, from her collegiate coaching days—mentoring and developing some of the world’s finest athletes—to her innovative work today. In 2011, as a co-founder of Art of Coaching in Dallas, Texas, I saw her Bring Your Own Parent (BYOP®) program up close. I was thoroughly impressed by how Ruth applied her vast teaching expertise to coach children ages 10 and under alongside their parents, fostering learning and teamwork at a young age. Over the past 13 years, Ruth has continued to innovate and develop training programs that lead to success and FUN while learning. Her GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer Certification is an exceptional resource for educators, recreational directors, parents, and youth coaches. This certification not only provides hands-on court training but also incorporates classroom learning for those working with children ages 7 and under and those ages 8 and older. Ruth is a dedicated professional and one of the most passionate and skilled teachers I have ever worked with. Her leadership in the sport is unquestionable, and any parent who has had the chance to see their child coached by her, or anyone earning certification through her programs, should know they are learning from an expert and true leader.
Russ Rose Penn State Head Coach (1979-2021)
Co-Founder of The Art of Coaching Volleyball
Recent BigTen Story “ The Streak - a documentary film on Russ Rose, & the undefeated streak and 4-year National Championship run (2007 – 2010)
I’ve witnessed Ruth Nelson’s dedication and innovation in youth volleyball for over a decade, mainly through her BYOP® (Bring Your Own Parent®) program and her GoKids Youth Sports™ certification. Ruth’s programs are truly transformative. The BYOP® Program is a remarkable initiative that I’ve seen in action at the Art of Coaching for over 10 years, bringing together young athletes and their parents in a hands-on, engaging environment. It teaches volleyball fundamentals and fosters life lessons and a shared experience between kids and their parents.
Her GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer Certification is equally impressive, focusing on building a solid foundation for movement and volleyball skills at a young age. The certification program equips parents, teachers, and youth coaches with the tools to guide kids’ athletic development, ensuring they acquire essential skills while keeping their experience fun and positive. These programs pave the way for a better future in youth sports by promoting well-rounded development and injury prevention.
Ruth’s passion for coaching and her commitment to youth education have impacted the volleyball community, and I’m proud to support her initiatives."
John Dunning,
Former Stanford Head Volleyball Coach
Co-Founder of Art of Coaching
Her GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer Certification is equally impressive, focusing on building a solid foundation for movement and volleyball skills at a young age. The certification program equips parents, teachers, and youth coaches with the tools to guide kids’ athletic development, ensuring they acquire essential skills while keeping their experience fun and positive. These programs pave the way for a better future in youth sports by promoting well-rounded development and injury prevention.
Ruth’s passion for coaching and her commitment to youth education have impacted the volleyball community, and I’m proud to support her initiatives."
John Dunning,
Former Stanford Head Volleyball Coach
Co-Founder of Art of Coaching
Ruth Nelson is one of the VERY BEST skill coaches in the United States. Her coaching background is second to none.
In 2013, Ruth launched her BYOP® - (Bring Your Own Parent) program for kids 10 & under and their parents. In 2018 she launched GoKids Youth Sports™ Skill Trainer Certification for teachers, parents, and youth coaches.
I have seen the development of these programs from the very beginning. From the inception of her program, Coach Nelson has presented her concepts and teaching moments at our Art of Coaching Volleyball Clinics. I highly recommend her and her programs.
There is no better way to teach young kids and aspiring youth coaches than BYOP® and GoKids Youth Sports™!
Taras “Terry” LIskevych
Former USA National & Olympic Women’s Coach 1985-1996
Former Collegiate Coach
Co-Founder of The Art of Coaching Volleyball
Co-Founder of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)
In 2013, Ruth launched her BYOP® - (Bring Your Own Parent) program for kids 10 & under and their parents. In 2018 she launched GoKids Youth Sports™ Skill Trainer Certification for teachers, parents, and youth coaches.
I have seen the development of these programs from the very beginning. From the inception of her program, Coach Nelson has presented her concepts and teaching moments at our Art of Coaching Volleyball Clinics. I highly recommend her and her programs.
There is no better way to teach young kids and aspiring youth coaches than BYOP® and GoKids Youth Sports™!
Taras “Terry” LIskevych
Former USA National & Olympic Women’s Coach 1985-1996
Former Collegiate Coach
Co-Founder of The Art of Coaching Volleyball
Co-Founder of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)
As a coach for 40 years, I became aware of Ruth Nelson’s incredible impact on volleyball. As head coach at the University of Houston, Ruth was instrumental in recruiting and developing minority athletes who achieved extraordinary success. Her work with standout players such as Flo Hyman, Rita Crockett, Rose Magers, and Sherryl Moore, who later trained for the 1984 Olympics, was truly transformative.
I followed Ruth’s career closely, especially her time with Dr. Arie Selinger. After the 1984 Olympics, when I became the coach at Long Beach State, I had the privilege of inviting Ruth’s University of Iowa team to one of our tournaments. Ruth then transitioned into a leadership role at Special Olympics, where she developed the global volleyball program and served as the Director of Sports and Corporate Marketing. Her innovative approach to coaching and training athletes of all ages consistently demonstrated her ability to think outside the box.
In 2003, Ruth began presenting groundbreaking demonstrations at the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), showcasing her unique methods for teaching kids as young as 18 months through high school. These efforts laid the foundation for her certification programs, such as the Bring Your Own Parent® (BYOP®) Instructor Certification/Program and the GoKids Youth SportsTM Skills Trainer Certification.
I’ve witnessed Ruth’s magnetic personality and remarkable connection with young athletes. Her BYOP® program has evolved into a national movement, emphasizing the importance of involving parents in developing their children’s volleyball skills. Recognizing a growing need, Ruth expanded her focus to train youth coaches, recreational directors, and parents, launching the GoKids Youth Sports™ certification.
Today, Ruth’s certification programs provide a comprehensive foundation for teaching young athletes, combining expertise in sport-specific skills with essential knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. I wholeheartedly believe that Ruth Nelson’s programs have set the standard for empowering kids and youth coaches to become lifelong learners. Her dedication to teaching and innovative methods have inspired countless players, coaches, and parents.
I highly recommend these certifications to any teacher, recreational coach, youth coach, or parent passionate about learning and wanting to make a meaningful impact in volleyball.
Brian Gimmillaro
Former Long Beach State Head Volleyball Coach
USA National Team Business Manager
5X Hall of Fame Inductee
I followed Ruth’s career closely, especially her time with Dr. Arie Selinger. After the 1984 Olympics, when I became the coach at Long Beach State, I had the privilege of inviting Ruth’s University of Iowa team to one of our tournaments. Ruth then transitioned into a leadership role at Special Olympics, where she developed the global volleyball program and served as the Director of Sports and Corporate Marketing. Her innovative approach to coaching and training athletes of all ages consistently demonstrated her ability to think outside the box.
In 2003, Ruth began presenting groundbreaking demonstrations at the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), showcasing her unique methods for teaching kids as young as 18 months through high school. These efforts laid the foundation for her certification programs, such as the Bring Your Own Parent® (BYOP®) Instructor Certification/Program and the GoKids Youth SportsTM Skills Trainer Certification.
I’ve witnessed Ruth’s magnetic personality and remarkable connection with young athletes. Her BYOP® program has evolved into a national movement, emphasizing the importance of involving parents in developing their children’s volleyball skills. Recognizing a growing need, Ruth expanded her focus to train youth coaches, recreational directors, and parents, launching the GoKids Youth Sports™ certification.
Today, Ruth’s certification programs provide a comprehensive foundation for teaching young athletes, combining expertise in sport-specific skills with essential knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. I wholeheartedly believe that Ruth Nelson’s programs have set the standard for empowering kids and youth coaches to become lifelong learners. Her dedication to teaching and innovative methods have inspired countless players, coaches, and parents.
I highly recommend these certifications to any teacher, recreational coach, youth coach, or parent passionate about learning and wanting to make a meaningful impact in volleyball.
Brian Gimmillaro
Former Long Beach State Head Volleyball Coach
USA National Team Business Manager
5X Hall of Fame Inductee
Introducing a sport to children has always been parents' job. BYOP® gives parents the knowledge, techniques, and cues to teach their children to play volleyball. Getting an early start is essential, as volleyball is the most popular high school sport for girls and one of the fastest-growing for boys.
Kathy DeBoer
LOVB Foundation Board Chair
Former AVCA Executive Director
Kathy DeBoer
LOVB Foundation Board Chair
Former AVCA Executive Director
