QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

April 2026

HYSA Announces Executive Director Transition

Dear Membership,

By now, you likely have received the news that Jeff Muhr has decided to return to Missouri in mid-July. We are sad to see him go, but so grateful for what he has done for HYSA in such a short time. His leadership can be felt in so many areas. It has included the more obvious improvements in the complex – the fields are green and full again with a quality playing surface, and he worked with Growing Friends and so many of you to plant new trees that will provide shade for spectators (and a wind break!) for years to come. He has also increased coaching education, and many of our coaches have taken advanced licensing courses in the last year, which will help support player development.

Jeff’s impact can also be felt in other important ways. He has brought enthusiasm, energy, and joy to his role as Executive Director, and it has been contagious. He has inspired a positive culture within the club, which helps to nurture positive players. We will continue to work with him in the coming months while he is with us. Jeff has pointed us in the right direction and given us a good push. It is now our responsibility to continue that forward momentum.

The Board will be engaging in a search process for a new Executive Director that is similar to what took place when we hired Jeff. We will solicit applications, screen for qualified candidates, conduct interviews, consider input from staff, coaches, and members in all program areas, and then make a decision. Interested individuals can apply by sending their resume, letter of interest, and references to amynd92@msn.com by May 15, 2026.

Thanks for your ongoing support of HYSA during this transition.

Amy Christensen
Board President

Help shape the future of HYSA.
We’re looking for an Executive Director who can build on our momentum, support our players and coaches, and continue strengthening our club culture.

Tips for Keeping Your Bones Strong and Healthy

There are 206 bones in our body and each plays a critical role in protecting our organs, providing structure and giving a good anchor for our muscles to cling on to. This is why maintaining good bone health is so important. Did you know that our bones are constantly changing and growing? It’s hard to wrap your head around because to most of us, our bones seem hard and motionless. But that’s quite the opposite. Just like our skin, our bones are living, growing tissue that needs attention and care to remain effective at its job.

Osteoporosis is a common health condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle, or “low density.” According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million Americans are impacted by this condition and the disease is responsible for an estimated two million broken bones every year.

One common misconception is that osteoporosis only affects elderly white women. While it’s true that the disease most commonly impacts this demographic, it does not discriminate and can impact both men and women at any age. Being proactive about our bone health in our 20s, 30s and 40s is key. It is much easier to prevent developing low bone density compared to reversing it later on. So, what can you do to maintain good bone health? Know the facts about osteoporosis, take steps to keep your bones strong and healthy, and know what to look out for when assessing your own bone health is a great first step to keeping you healthy.

What impacts bone health?

Vitamins and diet: Like most health advice, maintaining a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in calcium and vitamin D is great for maintaining long-term bone health.

  • Exercise: It’s no secret that squeezing in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day is great for your overall health. Specific to maintaining or increasing bone health though, incorporating muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing exercises can help build bone density.

  • Smoking and alcohol: In general, it is good health advice not to smoke and to use alcohol in moderation.  According to Mayo Clinic, research suggests that tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake can contribute to weak bones.

  • Some medications: Long-term use of certain medications can impact your bone health. Contrarily, there are medications that can be prescribed to help you build bone density. If you have questions about medications, be sure to speak with your provider.

  • Your individual makeup and family history: Your physical size, gender, age, race, hormone levels, family history and more can all affect your bone health. Keep these factors in mind as you assess your risk for bone disease.

Osteoporosis is known as a “silent” disease because often folks don’t know they have low bone density until they have broken a bone. Knowledge is power. Be sure to speak with your provider if you have questions or concerns about your bone health.

About the author: Dr. Kelsey Hoffman is a Primary Care Provider at St. Peter’s Health. She earned her Doctor of Medicine at the Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her fellowship and residency in the Montana Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Hoffman is a board-certified member of the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine-Sports Medicine.