Katie Farrier was first inspired to become a Little League volunteer to support her daughter’s Clinton Valley (Mich.) LL team, but her motivation to return to the program season after season quickly expanded.
“I saw how much of an impact a coach can have — not just in teaching the game, but in helping kids grow in confidence, teamwork, and character. Volunteering to coach in this league is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s a chance to give back to the community, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting impact,” said Farrier. “You don’t need to be an expert in the game; what matters most is showing up, caring, and creating a positive experience for the players.”
After spending the 2024 season as a Tee Ball coach, practicing what she learned in the Diamond Leader Training with the youngest players on the field, Farrier volunteered as a Coach Pitch Division Coach during the 2025 season.
“This league gives coaches and volunteers the tools and support to succeed—including things like the Diamond Leader Training—so you’re never doing it alone. If you want to make a difference, this is a great place to start,” said Farrier.
Recognized as the June 2025 Little League Diamond Leader of the Month, Farrier shared her training experience in a Diamond Leader Discussion:
From your experience with the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program, why do you think it is important for other coaches and volunteers to take it, as well?
The Diamond Leader Training is essential because it reminds us that coaching is about more than teaching baseball — it’s about shaping people, which is crucial at this age. When coaches take the time to connect with their players on a deeper level, it transforms the entire experience for the kids and the team. Every child deserves a coach who sees the whole person, not just the player, and this training gives coaches the tools to do just that. In our league, we all want to see kids succeed, not just as players, but as people. The Diamond Leader Training reinforces that. When coaches take the training, it helps us create a more positive, consistent environment across the league, where every kid feels safe, supported, and excited to be on the field. If we’re serious about making baseball a fun and meaningful experience for every child, this training should be part of the foundation.
As a Tee Ball and Coach Pitch coach, teaching the youngest levels of play, what lessons from the training do you plan to carry into future seasons?
One big takeaway for me was the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where kids feel comfortable being themselves, especially when they make mistakes. Next season, I’ll continue to focus on building strong connections with each player, encouraging positive communication, and celebrating personal growth just as much as on-field performance. I’m also going to be more intentional about helping players manage their emotions and support each other as teammates. I plan to start each practice and game with a quick check-in, just giving the kids a space to feel seen and heard. I’ll also be building in more ways for teammates to encourage one another, not just the top performers. The Diamond Leader Training reminded me that how we handle things like mistakes, frustration, or nerves can shape how a child views the game and themselves, for years to come. That’s something I want to get right.
What does it mean to you to be a Diamond Leader, and why should others strive to be the same?
Being a Diamond Leader in our league means committing to the bigger picture. It’s about using baseball as a vehicle to build confidence, character, and community in young players. It means leading with empathy, showing up with patience, and creating a space where every kid — from the quiet first-timer to the seasoned all-star — feels like they belong. To me, it’s not about being the most successful coach in the standings, but about having the kind of impact that stays with kids long after the season ends. Others should strive to be a Diamond Leader because it’s about supporting other coaches and setting a tone across the league that values effort, growth, and good character above all. If we want kids to love the game and grow from it, we have to start by making sure they feel seen, heard, and supported. I take that responsibility seriously, and I’m proud to be part of a league that prioritizes that kind of leadership.
The Little League Diamond Leader program, which was first piloted with nearly 1,000 Little League volunteers throughout the 2022 season, was created as part of the Susan Crown Exchange’s Million Coaches Challenge and developed in coordination with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play. Focused on ensuring children have a positive, well-rounded experience on and off the field, the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program is a FREE educational resource that provides coaches with an understanding of the impact that mental, social, and emotional well-being has in youth sports through detailed information, interactive scenarios, and a variety of additional resources. Learn more and become a Diamond Leader yourself by visiting LittleLeague.org/DiamondLeader.