Team & Facility

Celebrating 5 Years

February 8, 2025

The Foothills Area YMCA has a rich history of serving our community since its founding in 1894. From its early beginnings at Clemson to the expansion of youth programs and the development of the Cottingham Campus, we've grown to meet the needs of our members.

On February 8, we celebrated 5 wonderful years of serving our community at the Cottingham Campus and can’t wait to see what Phase II brings.

We’re looking forward to what’s to come and continuing to grow with you!

Phase II Update

January 1, 2025

We’re excited to share that Phase 2 plans are nearing finalization, with a target to begin shortly after the new year. Our team is actively working on securing USDA financing and necessary permits. Once these steps are complete, you’ll see our contractor, Hogan Construction, mobilizing on-site. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official start date!

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed so far, helping us raise $2,675,905 toward our $3 million goal! Every donation makes a difference, supporting the project and allowing us to focus on serving the community rather than on debt repayment.

A special thanks to Steve and Carrell Chase for their continued generosity. All individual donations of $1,000 or more are still being matched, making now the perfect time to give!

Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Together, we’re building a stronger future for our community.

Celebrating Excellence in 2024

We are proud to congratulate Sarah Tate, one of our branch executive directors, on being named a 2024 Top 20 Under 40 Award Winner by the Oconee Chamber of Commerce! Sarah’s leadership, dedication, and positive impact on our community continue to inspire us all. This well-deserved recognition highlights her commitment to making a difference through the Y.

A huge thank you to our neighbors for voting us a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave! This award is especially meaningful because it reflects the strong connections we’ve built within our community. We are grateful for the support and will continue working hard to serve and grow with you.

For the third year in a row, the Foothills Area YMCA has been voted Best Workout Facility in the Best of the Best awards! This achievement is a testament to our incredible members, staff, and supporters who make the Y a welcoming place for health and wellness. Thank you for your trust and enthusiasm—we’re honored to serve you!

2024 Staff Highlights & Leadership Growth

Scott Morris – Swim Team Relations Advisor
We are excited to announce Scott Morris as the new Swim Team Relations Advisor at the Foothills Area YMCA! With over 60 years of passion for aquatics, including collegiate swimming at Clemson and years of coaching at all levels, Scott brings invaluable experience to this role. He will serve as a key liaison between swim team families and the Y staff, fostering a positive and supportive environment. Congratulations, Scott!

Pam Holladay – Development Director
We are thrilled to welcome Pam Holladay as our new Development Director! With a strong background in operations management, leadership, and team development, Pam will oversee year-round philanthropic efforts and volunteer-led fundraising across the association. Her expertise in building stakeholder relationships and managing large-scale projects will be instrumental in advancing our mission. Welcome, Pam!

Carmen Negron & Kinley Wilson – Leadership in Aquatics & Fitness
Congratulations to Carmen Negron, our new Aquatics Director, and Kinley Wilson, newly promoted to Associate Fitness Director! Carmen’s diverse background as a firefighter, SCUBA-certified professional, and aquatic safety expert makes her a perfect fit to lead our programs. Kinley, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, has been an integral part of our fitness team since 2020, helping members achieve their wellness goals. We’re excited to see them thrive in their new roles!

Jacob Holcombe & Lindsey Little – Growing Leadership in Childcare & Swim
We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Jacob Holcombe to Associate Child Care Director and the appointment of Lindsey Little as our new Swim Team Head Coach! Jacob, formerly Camp Director at Camp Oconee, will now play a key leadership role in expanding our childcare programs. Lindsey, an accomplished collegiate swimmer and experienced coach, will lead our swim team with expertise and passion. Congrats to both!

Mary Lee Stanley – Branch Executive Director, Business & Finance
Congratulations to Mary Lee Stanley on her promotion to Branch Executive Director, Business and Finance! Having served as Financial Coordinator, Mary Lee has played a vital role in managing the Y’s financial operations. In her expanded leadership role, she will oversee finance, IT, marketing, HR, and business strategy to support the Y’s continued growth.

Daphne Hoffman & Kim Wyatt – Leadership in Childcare & Fitness
We’re excited to announce Daphne Hoffman as our new Childcare Director and Kim Wyatt as our Fitness Director! Daphne’s dedication to early childhood development and Kim’s passion for fitness have made a significant impact on our programs. Their leadership will continue to strengthen our childcare and fitness offerings for the community.

Sarah Tate & Sydney Lia – Branch Executive Team
A big congratulations to Sarah Tate and Sydney Lia on their promotions to the Branch Executive Team! Sarah will lead Youth and Family Programs, overseeing childcare, camps, membership, and teen leadership programs. Sydney will head Community Health, managing wellness initiatives, group fitness, corporate fitness, and aquatics programs. Their leadership and vision will help shape the future of the Y.

We are so proud of our growing team and grateful for their dedication to our mission. Please join us in celebrating their achievements and contributions to the Foothills Area YMCA!