Rowan County Young Professionals Shine in Second Season of Salisbury Kickball
The Salisbury Parks & Recreation’s co-ed kickball league is currently in full swing, and the Rowan County Young Professionals (RCYP) are making a notable impact in their second season. The idea to form a kickball team sprang in Fall 2023 from Dillon Brewer and Kyler Eagle, who are not only active members of RCYP but also serve on its executive committee as the Development Chair and Events Chair, respectively. Both hailing from Rockwell, NC, they’ve brought great energy and leadership to the program.
Due to a surge in participation this spring, the league hosts two RCYP teams among many other teams from businesses, school faculty and administration, churches, and various community groups. The decision to expand was made easy by the strong interest from last season, leading to the formation of two teams: the Average Pros and the YoPros.
Highlight Game: Average Pros vs. YoPros
This Thursday don’t miss the much-anticipated game between our two RCYP teams, the Average Pros and the YoPros. This is the only time this season that these teams will compete against each other, promising an exciting match. The event will take place on April 18th at 6:30 PM at JC Optimist Sports Complex on Field 1, located at 1113 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144.
Unified in Competition and Community
While RCYP fields two teams in the league, we remain a single, united community. We invite everyone to come out, show your support, and enjoy the camaraderie. It’s more than just a game; it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and a showcase of the young professionals’ dedication both on and off the field.
Messages from Coaches and Players
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness how our group has become a welcoming gateway for numerous young professionals to dive into our community. The camaraderie between teams, and across both teams, has been nothing short of inspiring. I’ve been particularly impressed by how some young professional members have not only embraced our community but have also actively encouraged their friends and coworkers to join in, amplifying our network of connections. As the coach of both teams, I must say, the support from my co-coaches and helpers has been nothing short of tremendous. Beyond kickball, these relationships extend further into the realm of young professionals, enriching our experiences and fostering lasting friendships. Truly, while our games are filled with fun, it’s the extension of these bonds into all our activities that make our community thrive.”
– Kyler Eagle, Powles Staton Funeral Home
“I joined the Young Professional kickball team to kick-start my social life and stay active. It’s not just a game, it’s a gateway to new friendships and fitness.”
– Kristen Estepp, YSUP Rowan
“I haven’t been on any kind of sports team since elementary school, and as someone who isn’t particularly athletic, I was a bit apprehensive. However, the encouragement I’ve received from my fellow teammates has been nothing short of amazing. This group really knows how to lift people up. Thanks to them, I’ve made so many new friends and genuine connections. It’s been an incredibly uplifting experience to be part of such a supportive community.”
– Mollie Ruf, RCYP Chair, Rowan EDC
“Things like getting together with other professionals and entrepreneurs adds a social aspect to my life. Especially as the owner of 100% digital agency, I have very little social life and often feel isolated, even lonely at times. Everyone seems to be very competitive, which I love. I can compete with the best of them, but these kickball games give me at least an hour to take a finger off the pulse and get away from the grind.”
– Stephen Johnson, VIVID Marketing
A Message from Our Sponsor
Special thanks go to Mark Jennings of Jennings Insurance Agency for his continued support. He commented, “It was important (to me) to sponsor and encourage the Rowan Young Professional, because I remember being a young professional myself here in Salisbury and NOT having a support network of other professionals. Supporting RCYP is important to our business community because the network helps retain and attract young talent to our area, which is crucial. We have so much to offer, and the young professional’s group has been instrumental in promoting Rowan County. I’m proud to support this initiative and I am actively encouraging other businesses to get involved.”
Get Involved with Young Professionals
If your business is looking to engage with the vibrant Rowan County Young Professionals community, we offer a range of sponsorship opportunities. These include sponsoring a single event, a series of events, and our exciting participation in the Rowan Chamber’s Annual Dragon Boat Festival this July, where our two RCYP teams will compete. To explore these opportunities, please contact Dillon at yp@rowanchamber.com.
Joining the Rowan County Young Professionals is incredibly simple—for any young professional eager to get involved, just start by showing up! Our events are listed on Eventbrite, and while registration is free, we ask that you sign up in advance. This helps us plan accordingly, especially for events where food and drinks are provided. Thanks to our generous sponsors, almost every event is free of charge.
We understand that schedules can be tight, so please know that arriving late is never an issue. Our events typically begin with 30-45 minutes of social networking, giving you plenty of time to join in without missing out on the main activities. What matters most is your presence and participation. We value each member of our community, regardless of how often you can attend. Every young professional has a place here, and you are an important part of our growing network!
Remaining Spring 2024 Game Schedule
- April 18: Average Pros vs. YoPros on Field 1 at 6:30 p.m.
- April 22: 6:30 p.m. Field 1 (Average Pros), Field 2 (YoPros)
- April 25: 6:30 p.m. Field 1 (Average Pros), Field 2 (YoPros)
- April 29: 7:30 p.m. Field 2 (YoPros)
- BYE: YoPros
- May 2: 6:30 p.m. Field 1 (YoPros), 7:30 p.m. Field 2 (YoPros)
- May 6: 6:30 p.m. Field 1 (Average Pros)
- BYE: Average Pros
Come cheer on our kickball teams and celebrate the spirit of Rowan County’s young professionals. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or a potential sponsor, there’s a place for you in the RCYP community!