Kyle with the high school volleyball team. “This past fall we saw the highest level of participation in high school volleyball that I can remember,” Kyle says. “It really shows that kids are interested. After a long, hard break in 2020, we were finally able to travel for out-of-town games again, so that was very exciting.”
“I grew up in a community that offered year-round sports to kids,” says Kyle MacMurchy, fiber optimization manager at our lumber mill in Princeton, British Columbia. “My father, who’s a retired Weyerhaeuser employee, was always a coach for those teams. He had such a big impact on my life and the lives of my friends.”
Kyle wanted to do the same for a new generation. He spends much of his free time in the small town of Princeton supporting and coaching youth sports — including baseball in the summer, volleyball in the fall and hockey in the winter — and helping keep kids stay active and connected throughout the year.
“Kyle demonstrates our core values and principles, and he really lives the importance of all youth having the same opportunities,” says Jason Cerenzie, senior HR business partner at the Princeton mill, who nominated Kyle. “Without volunteers like Kyle, many kids would go without the opportunity to play, learn and be part of a team and community.”
Kyle’s commitment to coaching earned him a 2021 Volunteer of the Year award, and as part of his award recognition the Princeton Secondary School Athletic Department received a $5,000 grant to support its work.
MEET Kyle
Tell us a bit about your day job.
I manage our log yard, unloading logging trucks and preparing our multi-species sawmill for production runs year-round. I also manage other areas, including the mobile shop, filing room and green side quality control.
Kyle in his office at our lumber mill in Princeton, British Columbia.
What did you think when you found out about the award?
At first, I wasn’t sure I was deserving of it. Then my wife pointed out how much time and effort I’ve put in over the years to give kids in our community access to sports. It took a while to sink in, but I’m honored.
What made you decide to coach?
I just love sports. I’ve been coaching or assisting in youth sports for close to 25 years now. When my own kids started competing in 2010 and 2011, I realized how much help is needed from parents and the community to run these programs, and I got even more involved.
What are the community challenges you see that you're trying to address with this work?
In a small community, it’s hard to keep programs like youth sports going. We don’t always have enough volunteers committed to coaching full seasons. I want to make sure kids have the opportunity to compete and have fun.
Kyle coaches baseball in the summer, volleyball in the fall and hockey in the winter. “Teamwork and camaraderie are two of the most essential aspects of playing youth sports,” Kyle says. “It helps set them up for success later in life.”
What's your favorite part of coaching?
I love passing on my skills and knowledge, and seeing kids achieve consistent growth when they apply themselves. I also just want everybody to have fun. I tell my teams, “Even if we’re not the best, we’ll have the best time.” Teaching them to respect their teammates and be good sports makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to give back but doesn't know how or where?
Just do it. Don’t overthink it. Find out who needs help and join. Once you start it’s hard to stop because it’s so rewarding.
What have you learned by volunteering?
Being a youth sports coach has taught me patience. In the mill environment, we’re able to implement change pretty quickly, but that’s not usually true when it comes to other groups and organizations. I’ve learned to adapt to the pace and roll with it.
What’s next in your volunteer plans?
I’m not sure how much the pandemic will affect our ability to play this year. Our local minor softball and baseball association wasn’t able to operate at all in 2021 due to COVID, but I’m hopeful that will change. We’re all ready to get back on the field and compete.
Kyle's been coaching or assisting with youth sports for nearly 25 years. “On an average weekday, I’ll head to the high school right after work and spend two to three hours coaching different groups,” Kyle says. “It’s a lot of fun, and by the time I get home and have a bite to eat I’m out like a light.”
