By Matt Browning

David and Brandy Eagle were chosen for the YMCA Yi-Belong feature for May. The Eagles have been volunteering their time at the YMCA since the summer of 2021.

“We initially began coaching because of our son Alexander, but now we coach because we enjoy coaching and seeing the impact we have had on kids’ lives is truly gratifying,” Brandy said.

The Eagles have been married for 20 years and they are heavily invested in their family. They have three kids—Darius (25), Skyler (23) and Alexander (15). They also have three grandchildren.

When not coaching at the Y, David and Brandy own and operate Eagle Collision Center in Arkansas City, as well as Eagle Business Solution, which is an accounting and tax preparation business.

“Our lives are very busy between our businesses, Alexander’s sports, our big family and then just life in general, but we work as a team and manage to always push through it all because we know how important what we do is to everyone,” Brandy said. “We have seen the impact of our coaching on the kids we coach but we also must say that we can’t do what we do without the kids either. The kids motivate us and keep us going and they too should be highlighted for all their efforts, dedication and hard work.”

Brandy said she would encourage any person interested in coaching or volunteering at the YMCA to make sure they are doing it for the right reasons.

“Don’t volunteer because it looks good on your resume or because you’re being made to volunteer for school or work,” Brandy said. “Volunteer because of how it makes you feel and because you’re able to make a positive impact on others.”