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PROJECT GET CERTIFIED™

In 1995, founder Ruth Nelson committed to teaching kids ages 12 and under the sport of volleyball. Let's listen to her inspiring story.

Many kidz need the opportunity to be influenced by role models and mentors like Ruth Nelson. Imagine beginning as a high school tennis player and then playing tennis, volleyball, softball, basketball, and field hockey in college, all while graduating in 3 ½ years and completing a Master’s degree under the guidance of former Olympic coach Dr. Jim Coleman. By the age of 21, Nelson was coaching collegiate men’s tennis and women’s volleyball.

Right out of college, Nelson made the USA National Women’s team and began her coaching career at George Williams College. Recruited by former Olympians Mary Jo Peppler and Marilyn McReavy, she moved to Houston to play for the National Championship team, EPU. While still on the USA National Team, she started coaching at the University of Houston and later became an assistant to the USA Women's National Team under former 1984 Silver Medal USA Women Coach Dr. Arie Selinger. At Houston, alongside Olympians and All-Americans, she helped build a powerhouse women's volleyball program.

Nelson's journey continued at LSU, where she faced top-tier competition and helped elevate the team during her four years there. Transitioning to Major League Volleyball and later to Iowa, she consistently showcased her innovative training methods, setting the groundwork for future successes. She then served as the Sports Marketing Director for Special Olympics International, having been involved since the 1983 International Special Olympics Games in Baton Rouge, where she met Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder Special Olympics, Inc.

In 1995, Nelson identified a gap in sports education for kidz 10 and under. She began developing certification programs for coaches and global programs for kidz, introducing them to the Nelson Teaching Methodology. For over 24 years, this approach has enriched young athletes' lives.

Even before COVID, Nelson questioned why kids 12 and under weren’t receiving more comprehensive skill training, game-like experiences, and life lessons. She created "Bring Your Own Parent®" to foster quality time between parents and children, teaching life lessons and volleyball skills. However, busy schedules often hindered participation, prompting Nelson to focus on certifying more teachers, parents, and youth coaches through her GKYS™ Skills Trainer Certification Courses.

Now, Nelson is launching a significant push to elevate "Project Get Certified™" to the next level. She has planned three GKYS™ courses for the summer of 2024, aiming to certify 100 coaches by 2030.

Nelson supports this age group with her three monthly shows: BYOP® on the Go!, GoKids Youth Sports™ ChatBOX, and RNN Sports Gym™ BUZZ. These initiatives on social media provide invaluable resources for parents, teachers, youth coaches, and kidz.

Visit her website to participate in “Project Get Certified™.” Experience the opportunities Nelson has had with her mentors and role models. She is one of the most dedicated educators you will ever encounter. “Learning is truly a lifelong journey,” and with a positive experience and fun, it can be a life lesson.

Join us and help shape the future of youth sports with compassion and commitment. Together, we can ensure that every kid has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

Host a GoKids Youth Sports™ Skills Trainer Course (click here)