Photo by Liz Chrisman
Meet Mariah Jeffcoat, Park Director of Pottsville, and youth basketball and softball coach! At age 29, she is also the city’s inspector and code enforcement officer. She was born in Fort Smith, raised in Yell County, and a Pottsville High School graduate. Her family includes four brothers: Allen, Daniel, Tim and Dillan, and one sister Rilee Underwood. Her mother and step father live in Russellville, and father in Pottsville.
1. Dog or cat? Why?
Dogs for sure. I have four rescue dogs. When I was a kid I was allergic to cats. I do believe I have grown out of that, but it’s a good excuse to not have them around.
2. What do you think is the most positive aspect of living in the River Valley?
Our community. We have a variety of people that love different things. We are very giving and helpful to the ones in need in our community.
3. What’s something no one would ever guess about you?
I was a cheer leader once back in pee wee at Western Yell. I would have to pull out pictures to my friends because they never believed me.
4. What do you nerd out on?
I would say I nerd out on disc golf. I have, in the past several months, grown to really love this sport. I love watching YouTube videos of the pros playing and learning all the different types of discs they are throwing.
5. If you could change one thing about the River Valley, what would it be?
The need for more sports facility’s for youth. I coach and train a lot of young kids in the River Valley and the need for a place to train year-round is much needed.
6. Where is the one location in the River Valley you would tell a first-time visitor that they must go?
The mountains and creeks all around this area. My favorite thing is to go out Hwy 7 towards Dover and find a place to swim and enjoy God’s country.
7. Pizza, tacos, cheeseburger, or fried chicken? Any particular reason why?
Tacos 100%, they’re so easy to make and we ate them a lot growing up. We have some of the best Mexican restaurants local and that definitely plays a part in my decision.
8. What is your favorite quote? Could be from an inspirational person, could be an original.
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying” Michael Jordan. I love this quote because it really displays me as a coach. With coaching young kids in the Peewee program and Debs Elite travel ball team it’s very important to me that all of the kids know that messing up is important in the process of getting better.
9. One person (past or present) you’ve never met, with which you’d like to spend a day and what would you choose to do with that time?
Pat Summit. I would love to sit and visit with her about all of her success she has had in women’s basketball.
10. What is your ‘Friday Night’ go-to in the River Valley?
Definitely going to grab some food at one of our local restaurants and going to the fields to watch or play softball.
