YMCA Central Branch Names Brown Sports & Rec Director

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — The leadership team of the YMCA Central Branch this week announced the addition of D’Aundray Brown as the new director of sports and recreation.

Brown, born and raised in Youngstown, is a familiar face around the YMCA. He has been involved in Y sports leagues since his youth. For the past two years, he volunteered at the Y, hosting clinics and basketball camps. In his full-time position, he will lead Central’s long-standing youth basketball league program, and expand programs inside the Y and in the community.

“My experience at the YMCA has always been positive,” says Brown. “The YMCA is the first place I learned to play organized basketball. It taught me the value of not only teamwork but also how to navigate new challenges on the court. Most importantly, how a positive influence from a coach or mentor can change a kid’s life. It also taught me the power of sports, what it can teach you, and all the places it can take you.”

Brown played basketball at Ursuline High School and earned a B.S. in sports management at Cleveland State University. His athletic talent was noticed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2012, he was signed by the organization and played in the NBA D League (now called NBA G League) with the Canton Charge.

Four years ago Brown founded the DreDay Foundation32 to positively affect the lives of children and families. His foundation led basketball camps and clinics alongside the Cavs Academy Youth Sports.

“We are blessed to have D’Aundray join our Central Y family and bring all of his passion, skill, and experience in this role,” says Central Branch Executive Director Shawn Armstrong. “I look forward to supporting him in his efforts to grow and refine our youth and adult sports programs and offerings.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.