MEET AMANDA YANNETT!
- Written by Michael Jimenez, RGS Board Member
Amanda Yannett brings passion, experience, and hometown pride to her role as Head of Player Development for Rye Girls Softball. A Rye native, Amanda grew up playing on the same fields where she now mentors the next generation of softball stars. Her journey began at Rye Girls Softball, continued through middle school, and culminated in a standout varsity career at Rye High School, where she served as team captain, catcher, and cleanup hitter. Amanda finished her high school career with the second-most RBIs at Rye High School in the past two decades.
In her year-round role, Amanda leads coaching clinics for volunteer coaches and hosts player development sessions throughout the year, focusing on skill-building and softball IQ. She also coaches Rye’s travel teams in the competitive Greater Hudson Valley League, where her leadership helped secure Rye’s first-ever championship in the 16U division.
Amanda’s impact extends beyond Rye Girls Softball. She coaches the junior varsity softball team at Rye High School, continuing to guide many players who have graduated from the program.
Reflecting on her work, Amanda shares:
"Giving back to my hometown has become something I’m passionate about and thankful for. Growing up here gives me a unique perspective on the strengths and challenges of our programs. I’ve been an athlete in every program I now coach in, so I have a pretty strong understanding of what works and where there’s room to grow."
Outside the diamond, Amanda is a dedicated educator. She taught science at Stamford High School and now works in Stamford’s STEPS program, which supports students who struggle in traditional school settings due to mental health challenges. Her commitment to service also includes volunteering as an EMT and supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse as a certified advocate.
Amanda’s dedication to softball, education, and community makes her an invaluable leader and role model for our future softball stars.
Greatest sports memory
"As a coach, I obviously love the thrill of winning, whether it was the 12U tournament or the 16U GHVL league last year, but some of my favorite memories come from the little moments. The times when I learn something new about a player, catch them doing or saying something funny, or see them grow in confidence. Those moments of connection are just as meaningful as the wins."
Favorite sports related movie or TV series
"My favorite sports-related movies are 42 and She’s the Man, one representing my love for baseball and softball, and the other for soccer. I love 42 because my passion for baseball and softball comes from my grandpa, who was a huge Brooklyn Dodgers fan and actually used to watch Jackie Robinson play. My grandma still has ticket stubs and booklets from those games in a scrapbook she made when she was younger. The story of Jackie Robinson is one that deserves to be told. It teaches us lessons about perseverance, courage, standing up for what’s right, and how one person’s strength can create change on such a large scale. I think the movie does a good job capturing a lot of these lessons. On the other hand, She’s the Man is such a fun and empowering movie. It challenges gender stereotypes and highlights the strength and determination of female athletes. As both a soccer and softball player, I love how it combines humor with a strong message that gender doesn’t define abilities. "
Best part about coaching
"The best part about coaching for me is the players. I care a lot about who they are, not just as athletes, but as people. I want to know how they’re doing, what they care about, and how I can help them be the best versions of themselves both on and off the field. I’m really proud of the players that I coach and have coached. I really enjoy the mentorship side of coaching, being someone they can learn from, laugh with, and lean on."
We are lucky as a league to have Amanda!!