06/02/2026
PHTOPS SPOTLIGHT: COACH YEO AND ISAI
One of the most meaningful parts of the PHTOPS program is watching students find places where they feel genuinely valued, connected, and accepted for who they are. For Isai, that place has been with the Parish Hill baseball team alongside Coach Scott Yeo.
Since finishing his 12th grade year, Isai has continued helping coach the baseball team for the past three seasons. For many people, this may simply look like helping at practices or being around the team. But for Isai, it represents something far deeper.
Isai has struggled throughout his life with expressive language and social communication. Building meaningful social connections does not come naturally to him, despite how deeply he wants those relationships and sense of belonging in his life. Yet somehow, when he is with the baseball team, those barriers begin to disappear.
Coach Yeo has never treated Isai differently. From the very beginning, he welcomed him as a true member of the team. The players quickly recognized what Coach Yeo already saw in him: Isai’s kindness, warmth, loyalty, dedication, and willingness to help however he can for the success of the team.
What makes Scott’s impact so extraordinary is that his support goes far beyond simply “allowing” Isai to be involved. He actively includes him. He talks strategy with him. He allows Isai to text him about games and team decisions, reinforcing the idea that his thoughts and contributions matter. Isai even felt comfortable enough to text Scott biblical scriptures about the importance of mentors and coaches in people’s lives, which speaks volumes about the level of trust and admiration he has for him.
Those interactions may seem small to others, but for Isai, they carry enormous meaning. They make him feel trusted, respected, and important to something bigger than himself.
Earlier this year, Coach Yeo even came into the PHTOPS classroom to take Isai outside and throw the baseball around together before the season began. It was clear he understood how important rebuilding that connection and excitement for the season would be for him.
When Isai is with the baseball team, it is the happiest I have ever seen him. The confidence, pride, and joy he experiences in that environment are incredibly genuine. He deserves every second of it.
Coach Yeo consistently reinforces that Isai has value. He thanks him, encourages him, supports him, and reminds him that he contributes positively to the team. Those moments matter more than words can fully describe.
What makes this even more special is that Coach Yeo has already promised Isai that he can continue helping with the team next year, even after he is no longer affiliated with the school. Together, we have already begun working toward helping Isai obtain his coaching certification so he can continue pursuing something that has become such an important part of his identity and future.
I cannot thank Scott enough for everything he has done for Isai. The kindness, empathy, patience, and respect he has shown him reflect the very best qualities a coach, mentor, and person can have. His willingness to create a space where Isai feels accepted, needed, and genuinely connected has had a life changing impact.
Thank you, Mr. Yeo, for seeing Isai’s value, believing in him, and helping give him a place where he truly belongs
