(MADISON, NJ)  – The Madison Area YMCA welcomed Sports Associate Elizabeth (Liz) Cabrera, last month, to its Sports Program Department!  

With a strong sports background as a head basketball coach and soccer instructor, and leadership experience gained through her work as an assistant athletic director, Sports Associate Elizabeth Cabrera is a welcome addition to the Madison Area YMCA’s Sports Program. Elizabeth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Communication from Montclair State University, and she has been an avid athlete for most of her life.  

“Elizabeth is passionate about youth development, serving the needs of our families, and giving back to our community through the Y,” said Sports Program Director Shaun Hawkins. “She manages open programs in the gymnasium, supports our competitive sports teams, teaches sports classes, and coordinates our Y-Winner's basketball program. With Elizabeth’s talent and passion for working with youth and adults of all ages, we are thrilled to have her part of the Y team!”  

“I am passionate about fostering a love for sports, promoting teamwork, and helping our community members achieve their athletic goals. Through our programs, playing sports creates a sense of belonging, inclusion, and a safe space for everyone to play. It is exciting to be a part of the Y-Winners basketball program and to launch this program for our pre-teen girls next program session,” said Sports Associate Elizabeth Cabrera. “I look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to the success of our sports and fitness programs for all.” 

With the recent milestone anniversary of Title IX being passed into law, the Y is fueling the movement for gender equity in sports with hopes to inspire girls and all athletes, everywhere. Look out for more information on our Late Fall Sports offerings including Y-Winners, an intramural basketball league, designed to teach young players fundamentals during practice to prepare them for gameplay. Players work on their skills and basketball IQ through drills and competitive challenges. Y-Winners is a coed program, and we are pleased to offer Y-Winners for pre-teen girls beginning in the Late Fall Session (November 20). 

The Madison Area YMCA’s Sports Department delivers approximately 25 programs per session to an average of 400 youth, teens, and adults (in addition to competitive team athletes). Innovative programs are continually added to serve the changing needs of our community. With a diverse, passionate, and talented professional staff, including coaches and instructors, across all program areas (Sports, Aquatics, School of Performing Arts, Gymnastics, Y Ninja Gym, Special Needs programs, Teens & Family, Summer Day Camp, and Fitness and Wellness), programs at the Madison Area YMCA provide opportunities to improve physical and mental health, form lasting connections, learn something new, contribute to our community and so much more.  

As a mission-driven charitable organization and community wellness center, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of our youth, providing a safe space for teens, improving the community’s health and well-being, and giving back by providing support to our neighbors. For more information about financial assistance, to make a tax-deductible donation, or to search for employment opportunities and join one of New Jersey’s Top Workplaces, visit our website at www.madisonareaymca.org.