ABOUT US
About Us
Since 1998, Nevada Youth Sports (NYS) has proudly served the Southern Nevada community, providing high-quality youth sports programs that promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Over the past 27 years, NYS has had the privilege of serving around 15,000 families per year and over 400,000 families since its inception. Our commitment to developing young athletes and creating a positive, inclusive environment has made NYS a cornerstone of youth sports in Southern Nevada.
NYS Instructors & Center Staff
Jane Papa Ramos
Chief Administrative Officer, Nevada Youth Sports Foundation President & CEO
Jane Ramos is a seasoned nonprofit operations expert based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a deep commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities. She currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Nevada Youth Sports Center and the President & CEO of the Nevada Youth Sports Foundation.
Jane brings decades of leadership experience to her work, driving strategic initiatives that address the evolving needs of youth sports programs, families, and the communities they serve. Under her leadership, both organizations have launched new pillars for growth, expanded outreach, and deepened their commitment to inclusivity, access, and long-term sustainability.
Before joining Nevada Youth Sports, Jane served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Donor Services at the Nevada Community Foundation (NCF). Over her 15-year tenure, she led multiple evolutions of NCF’s operational model, oversaw the foundation’s asset growth from $13 million to over $300 million, and successfully implemented fiscal sponsorship services—meeting a clear community need and creating a new revenue stream for the foundation.
Jane was also the primary administrator of the Nevada COVID-19 Task Force Fund, where, on behalf of the Nevada Governor’s Office, she and her team rapidly created infrastructure to raise, purchase, and distribute over $10 million in life-saving PPE during the early stages of the pandemic. Her ability to navigate complex, multi-partner deals and deploy creative solutions was instrumental to the fund’s success.
Jane is known for transforming strategic visions into tangible outcomes. A natural problem-solver, she thrives in dynamic environments and excels in project and case management. She has a successful track record of building and leading efficient, high-impact teams that deliver consistent results—regardless of title or circumstance.
Born in Germany, educated in the Philippines, and having launched her career in New York, Jane brings a global perspective to her work. She is a proud Filipina and fluent Tagalog speaker. She currently resides in Las Vegas with her husband, Mark, and their family. Jane is an active volunteer in youth sports, cultural organizations, and local nonprofits.
Sandy McAdams
IPTPA Certified Level II Professional Instructor
Coach Sandy brings a lifetime of athletic experience and a deep passion for teaching to the pickleball courts of Las Vegas. A Region 1 high school tennis champion and varsity basketball athlete, Sandy’s background in competitive sports spans tennis, basketball, downhill skiing, recreational softball, and racquetball. This diverse foundation fuels her dedication to coaching and personal growth in pickleball.
Sandy discovered her love for pickleball in 2022 and quickly immersed herself in the sport. From learning the basics to competing in tournaments, her journey naturally evolved into teaching—combining two of her greatest passions: coaching and playing.
An IPTPA Certified Level II Professional Instructor, Sandy now teaches players from beginners (1.0) to advanced intermediates (4.5 DUPR). She trains almost daily—drilling with friends, playing matches, and working with students—all with the goal of helping others improve and fall in love with the game.
Sandy’s teaching style is focused, encouraging, and hands-on. Her commitment is 100%—she finds immense joy in helping students develop proper skills and confidence on the court.
Mark Ramos
Recreational and Elite
Volleyball Coach
Coach Mark has been immersed in sports since childhood, competing in basketball, baseball, and volleyball across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and the East Coast U.S. leagues. A titled scholastic international athlete, he got his start through charity clinics and the guidance of mentors who recognized his potential—experiences that sparked a lifelong commitment to giving back through coaching.
For over two decades, Coach Mark has dedicated himself to developing athletes of all levels—from first-time players to elite competitors. Known for his targeted, strategic coaching style, he challenges athletes to grow in skill, game IQ, and character. His daily philosophy is simple and powerful: “Be Better Than Yesterday.”
Currently, he is working with NYS recreational programs and elite athletes alike. His impact goes beyond the court: Coach Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and works as an IT Engineer and Project Manager at a cybersecurity firm.
Rooted in service and community, Mark and his wife also run a Sports Academy in the Philippines, offering free, year-round sports clinics to families facing financial and food insecurity.
Jo’lon Clark
Volleyball Coach
Coach Jo’lon is a seasoned volleyball coach and athlete with a career spanning multiple levels of competition and coaching. Starting his volleyball journey at Long Beach Polytechnic High School during his junior year, he quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional talent and determination.
After high school, he continued his development at Long Beach City College, where his leadership and skill on the court earned him a State Championship and the coveted title of Most Valuable Player. His passion and commitment to the game led him to Lourdes University in Toledo, Ohio, where he not only earned the university’s first-ever All-American award but also achieved MVP honors, solidifying his place as a standout athlete.
With a drive to continue growing, he completed his Master’sdegree while balancing the demands of coaching. At the University of Charleston in West Virginia, he took on the challenge of coaching a Division 1 men’s program and assisting a Division 2 women’s program, gaining invaluable experience at the collegiate level.
His coaching career truly took off during his five years in Davenport, Iowa, where he made an impact at St. Ambrose University, Augustana College, and Platform Elite, where he directed the boys’ program. Under his leadership, Platform Elite’s first-ever 18-and-under girls team earned a bid at a major qualifier. He also served as the Director of the beach program, consistently achieving excellence in player development.
Following his time in Iowa, he joined IUPUI in Indianapolis as an assistant coach for the Division 1 program. He then moved back west to further establish his presence at Top FlightVolleyball Academy, where he is currently an elite coach for both boys and girls, as well as the Sand Director.
Over the past seven years, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch EMBODIE, his own volleyball academy, where he continues to inspire and develop young athletes, emphasizing both skill and character.
With a career marked by notable accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to the growth of volleyball, Coach Jo’lon has become a respected figure in the volleyball community, mentoring the next generation of athletes and coaches.
Makayla Owens
Founder of ElevateU Program & Instructor
Makayla — a certified personal trainer, former athlete, and proud founder of the ElevateU Program based in Las Vegas. Originally from Michigan, I made the move west to pursue my passion for fitness and create a supportive, empowering space where individuals can grow stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Through my partnership with Nevada Youth Sports (NYS), I’m excited to bring the ElevateU instructional program to NYS members and the greater Las Vegas community. My goal is to help others build strength, boost energy, and transform not just their bodies—but their confidence and mindset.
My mission is simple: to help you fall in love with the process and discover the strongest version of yourself.
Let’s elevate your fitness journey, together.
Emmanuel Jr. Diestro
Volleyball Coach
Emmanuel “Coach Em” Diestro is a well-recognized figure in the Las Vegas volleyball community. His it he founder of Rise Volleyball League and LVPinoy Volleyball and Pickleball League. With over a decade of experience coaching youth through the National Youth Sports (NYS) program, he has played a vital role in nurturing the love for volleyball among local families. From playing in adult leagues to mentoring young athletes, Coach Em is deeply committed to promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the game.
Professionally, Emmanuel is a skilled architectural designer with a strong background in architecture, planning, and construction. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas and brings extensive experience in tenant improvement projects, including restaurants, retail, and office spaces.
His technical expertise spans a variety of design tools, including Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD Architecture, SketchUp, and V-Ray, which he uses to transform client concepts into built environments. Emmanuel is also experienced in preparing comprehensive construction drawings and managing the permitting process across multiple jurisdictions.
Whether on the court or at the drafting table, Emmanuel Jr. Diestro is passionate about building—from developing athletes to designing spaces that inspire.
Kolina Arredondo
Yoga and Meditation Instructor
With a unique blend of business expertise and deep-rooted passion for wellness, Kolina is the founder of Hope of Our Future Foundation, a space dedicated to healing, empowerment, and education. Certified in Yoga and Meditation through Peaceful Warriors YTT, she brings over five years of teaching experience to both in-person and online communities. Her teachings reflect over 100 hours of continued education in creative sequencing and hormonal cycling, offering a holistic approach to mind-body connection.
Before stepping into the wellness space full-time, Kolina built a 15+ year career in lead generation and business advisory planning with Nevada Corporate Headquarters and Anderson Business Advisors. Her professional background is complemented by early experience in childhood development and community education, reinforcing her commitment to creating accessible, nurturing environments for all ages.
As a mother of two competitive sports players, she is especially passionate about equipping youth with tools for both internal and external wellness. Her mission is rooted in the belief that “Our children are the heart of the future. When we give them tools for internal and external wellness, we shape a stronger tomorrow.”
Sports Partners
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Golden Knights
Las Vegas Aces
Las Vegas Knight Hawks
Las Vegas Thrill
Las Vegas Lights
Las Vegas Silver Knights
Las Vegas Desert Dogs
Las Vegas Aviators
Community Partners
City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation
City of Henderson Parks and Recreation
Clark County Parks and Recreation
City of North Las Vegas Parks and Recreation
Southern Nevada Boys and Girls Club
YMCA
Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Corporate Partners
Star Nursery
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Play it Again Sports
Momentec Brands
