As an African American woman coaching a high school girls' basketball team made up predominantly of young women of color, I deeply resonate with the concept of servant leadership. Serving others, especially in a coaching and mentorship role, goes beyond guiding players on the basketball court; it involves developing their character, supporting their emotional growth, and helping them navigate challenges in their lives. Servant leadership, to me, means leading by example—putting the needs of my athletes first and helping them grow both as players and as people. On and off the court, I make it a priority to establish open communication and a sense of trust with my players. I often engage with them in meaningful conversations, offering mentorship that extends far beyond basketball. Whether it's helping them with schoolwork, offering advice on managing personal struggles, or just listening when they need someone to talk to, I aim to show that they are valued as individuals and not just athletes. I also model humility and empathy, showing my athletes that leadership isn't about dominating or demanding respect; it's about earning it through service, compassion, and guidance. As a woman of color in a predominantly white and male-dominated field, I am acutely aware of the responsibility to create a positive, inclusive environment where my players feel empowered to express themselves and pursue their dreams, both in sports and in life. In our team, I emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, I ensure that each player feels seen and heard, whether they’re on the court or off. I encourage my athletes to serve one another, teaching them the value of lifting each other up and recognizing their collective strength. Through this, I help them not only to improve their basketball skills but also to grow into responsible, compassionate leaders in their own communities. As a coach, servant leadership is my guiding principle. It’s about creating an environment where every athlete feels empowered and where the focus is not only on the win but on developing young women who can thrive in any area of life. The impact of this leadership style is evident in the way my athletes approach their education, their relationships, and their self-worth. - While I strive to be an effective coach and support professional, I acknowledge that one area I need to improve upon is prioritizing and managing time. As a high school coach, I wear multiple hats: overseeing the basketball team, supporting student-athletes' academic and personal growth, and participating in professional development. It can be overwhelming to juggle these responsibilities while still making time for self-care, family, and other commitments. To improve in this area, my first step is to identify my time wasters and find ways to minimize them. I plan to assess my daily schedule and identify activities that are less urgent or important. For instance, I often spend a lot of time responding to emails or social media messages that, while necessary, don’t always contribute to my immediate goals. I plan to designate specific times during the day for administrative tasks, including a set time in the morning and afternoon for checking emails, so I can avoid multitasking throughout the day. Next, I will incorporate tools like digital calendars, task management apps, and to-do lists to stay organized. By blocking out time for practice sessions, meetings with players, and personal development activities, I can ensure that my time is being spent wisely and productively. Additionally, I’ll incorporate self-care into my schedule by designating personal time each week to recharge. Whether it’s through reading, exercising, or spending quality time with family and friends, this will help me maintain a work-life balance and prevent burnout. I will also involve my players in this process. As part of developing them into responsible individuals, I want to instill the importance of time management in them as well. Together, we can learn how to balance the demands of school, sports, and personal life while still prioritizing our team’s goals. This may involve helping my players set academic goals, encouraging them to manage their homework and basketball commitments, and modeling effective time management practices for them. In summary, while time management is an area that I struggle with, I am committed to implementing practical strategies to improve. By setting clear boundaries, organizing my tasks, and fostering open communication with my athletes, I can better manage my time and, in turn, improve my overall efficiency both on and off the court. This will ultimately allow me to be a more effective coach and mentor to my athletes, providing them with the leadership and support they need to succeed.

I have chosen to pursue higher education because I have a deep love for learning, particularly within the context of coaching women's basketball. Education and being a student athlete has always been an integral part of my life, and I genuinely enjoy the process of discovery and intellectual growth. More importantly, coaching is my passion, and I am driven by the desire to become the best coach I can be. Coaching is not just about teaching skills but about motivating and inspiring individuals to achieve their full potential, both on and off the court. In order to do this effectively, I need to continuously learn and grow, both in terms of knowledge and leadership skills. Pursuing higher education allows me to do just that, by offering opportunities for personal and professional development that go beyond the classroom. There is always more to learn, and I am excited about the possibility of gaining new insights, methodologies, and strategies in coaching and other related fields. Higher education will provide me with access to experienced mentors, the latest research in coaching techniques, and a network of like-minded individuals who share my passion. The learning environment at the college level will also give me opportunities to apply theories and concepts in real-world settings, preparing me for a successful career as a coach. Whether it's understanding the psychology of athletes or learning about team dynamics, I am eager to immerse myself in coursework and experiences that will make me a more effective coach and leader. As a first-generation student, I have worked hard to prepare myself for the challenges of higher education. I’ve prepared mentally by developing a strong sense of determination and focus. I know that the road ahead will be demanding, but I am committed to pushing through and overcoming any obstacles that come my way. Physically, I have made sure that I am in good health, maintaining a balanced lifestyle to keep myself energized and ready to tackle both academic and extracurricular demands. Emotionally, I’ve prepared by learning how to manage stress and stay resilient in the face of challenges. I understand that there may be times when I feel overwhelmed or uncertain, but I’ve developed strategies to stay grounded, ask for help when needed, and stay positive. Being a first-generation student comes with unique challenges, but I am confident that my preparation and passion for my chosen path will help me navigate them successfully.

Growing up in a single-parent household as the oldest of eight siblings, I learned the importance of resilience and responsibility early on. My mom worked tirelessly to provide for us, and her strength taught me that perseverance isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about showing up every day, no matter the circumstances. Watching her push through hardships inspired me to take on leadership roles, both in my family and in my community. Now, as a high school girls’ basketball coach, I see many of my players facing similar challenges—growing up in single-parent households, juggling school, family, and personal struggles. I relate to their experiences, and I’m committed to being the mentor and role model I didn’t always have. I use basketball as a tool not just to build athletic skills, but to teach my players about confidence, discipline, and teamwork. I want them to know their circumstances don’t define their worth or potential. I believe that mentorship and guidance can break cycles and create new opportunities. That’s why I’m focused on helping my players build not only athletic ability but also self-confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. I’m also working to expand my impact through continued coaching education and community programs that empower young girls to pursue education, leadership, and career opportunities. Ultimately, my goal is to create a ripple effect of change by helping these young women recognize their strength, pursue their dreams, and give back to their communities—just as I’ve learned to do. Through coaching, I hope to empower the next generation to realize that their circumstances are just the beginning of their story.

As an aspiring girls' basketball coach, I aim to create a lasting impact both on and off the court by nurturing athletes' skills, character, and love for the game. My passion for basketball, combined with my desire to empower young women, drives my vision for a coaching career that fosters leadership, resilience, and teamwork. Through this journey, I aspire to influence the next generation of athletes, preparing them not only for competition but for life beyond sports. First and foremost, I believe that a successful coach must be an educator—teaching not only basketball techniques but also essential life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. By fostering a positive environment where athletes can thrive, I want to instill the confidence necessary to succeed in sports and in all areas of life. I envision creating a team culture where respect, accountability, and mutual support are the foundation. I hope to inspire young girls to realize their potential, not only as basketball players but also as confident, determined individuals who can overcome challenges. Equally important, I am committed to breaking down barriers for female athletes. Historically, girls’ sports have often received less attention and resources than their male counterparts. As a coach, I strive to create equal opportunities for women to excel and be recognized for their athletic abilities. I aim to promote the importance of women in sports by encouraging my players to take pride in their achievements and challenge stereotypes that exist around women’s athletics. I also hope to build strong connections within the community, drawing more support for girls' sports and highlighting the value of women in leadership roles. In addition to fostering athletic growth, I recognize the importance of creating a team that is inclusive and welcoming to all players, regardless of their skill level. I want to ensure that every athlete feels valued and encouraged to improve, contributing to a positive team dynamic that fuels collective success. By focusing on individual development and team cohesion, I believe we can achieve greatness, both on the scoreboard and as a group of young women who are united in purpose. Ultimately, my goal as a girls' basketball coach is to make a professional impact that extends beyond coaching strategies and wins. It’s about inspiring confidence, building character, and empowering young athletes to reach their fullest potential. Through dedication, empathy, and a focus on personal growth, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that shapes future generations of women in sports. Basketball saved my life and played a huge role in who I am today, I want to be a coach who makes an impact on young women the same way I have had coaches do for me.

Living the life of my dreams as a young African American woman is about more than personal success; it’s about using education as a tool for empowerment and positive change. I dream of attending a prestigious university where I can deepen my knowledge and contribute to meaningful conversations on social justice, public policy, and issues that disproportionately affect African American communities. My ultimate goal is to use my education to advocate for policies that promote equity and dismantle systemic barriers. For me, education is the foundation of a better future. As an African American woman, I understand the challenges my community faces in accessing quality education, but I am determined to overcome these obstacles. I aspire to earn advanced degrees and pursue a career where I can drive social change; particularly in areas like education reform, criminal justice, and economic inequality. That career for me currently, is being a Girl's basketball coach who intends to make great impact in the lives of the young athletes I coach. Beyond my academic and professional goals, my dream also involves personal growth. I want to be a confident, self-assured woman who embraces her African American identity and inspires others to do the same. By mentoring younger girls, I hope to show them that their dreams are valid, no matter what challenges they may face. I also envision creating a network of support for young women of color, where we can uplift one another and thrive together. Living the life of my dreams means balancing my professional ambitions with a sense of self-care and wellness. I want to travel, learn from diverse cultures, and foster connections that broaden my perspective. I feel as everything I want to do contributes to who I as a Women's basketball coach, aligns with living my dreams. I get to coach young women that majority looks like me, along with making a meaningful impacts on their lives as well. Above all, I aim to live a life of purpose using my education and experiences to advocate for justice and inspire others along the way. While the road to higher education may have its challenges, I am committed to staying resilient. I have and still plan to seek out mentors, build a strong support system, and remain focused on my goals. In the end, my dream is to not only succeed but to create lasting change, leaving a legacy of empowerment for future generations, whether as a coach, mentor, daughter, big sister, or friend.

How important is it that we Honor those who’ve paved the way before us? There are a great number of historical figures who have inspired the world, most of all the people of Black communities. There is one individual in particular I would love to put a highlight upon. One of the best coaches to ever coach the game of Women’s basketball Dawn Staley. I am a Girls basketball coach at the High School level after five years of helping assist with coaching Women’s Basketball at the Collegiate level. Coaching has changed my life, and it is a huge act to inspire. I get a chance every year and every day to make a positive impact on someone's life, of all ages. From the kids I work with to become overall better and the adults I work alongside with to grow the community we serve. I have learned while watching and studying coach Staley that even coaching at a high level on the highest stage you can coach with love, be kind, compassionate, and understanding to those around you working towards the same common goals. Dawn is from North Philadelphia, after being the player of the year out of high school went to Virginia to attend UVA and play basketball at a high level. I admire her humbleness, love and respect for the game, making it known that she also teaches life lessons, not just basketball. I respect the number of positive impacts she has made on her student-athletes and how much she pours into young individuals who show up as and for themselves. Coach Staley is also a huge advocate for Black female coaches, I became drawn to her ultimately due to her passion for that. As quoted in an article I read regarding this topic, “Dawn Staley remembers when she was just beginning her coaching career when she’d look across the sideline and rarely see a Black female leading the opposing team.” This section in particular is where I could relate to this. As a first year Head Coach I was THE only Women coach in my League. I did not realize it until the end of the season when we were at the end of the season's coaches meeting. Not only was I the only woman, but I was the only Black Woman. Coach Dawn Staley: “There is an influx of Black women getting an opportunity,” Staley said. “Black women are getting more chances to be the head honcho in their programs. I hope we continue to be successful.” I relate with Dawn Staley in many different ways, even though I have been an athlete most of my life; I played basketball throughout middle school, high school, and college. I never thought I would be coaching. I did not want to coach, but it was a calling one I found, and I decided that this it. This has made me happy; I was making an impact on women who were just like me at one point in my life whether it was high school or college. Coach Staley stated, “There should be a fair number of Black women getting a chance because of who we serve,” Staley said. “We serve a lot of players who are Black. I don’t want people thinking I’m playing the race card. I’ve been in the game a long time; I’ve seen big jobs go to people that deserved an opportunity.” I continue to wish Coach Staley success, and I am excited to witness her continue to make a positive impact, break barriers and make history as an impactful Phenomenal Black Woman.

Mental health is a huge component to whether one has a chance of succeeding or not. If my mental health is not good, I won’t be good, not just as a woman, but as a student who was once a student athlete, throughout high school and college. Mental health has a huge impact on my academic performance because the way one thinks serves a huge part on how they get through everyday life. In the classroom and outside of the classroom. If my mental health is not in a healthy state, it will be hard to focus on the things that will contribute to me being successful. Those who struggle with poor mental health sometimes have a hard time pushing through with something, they have hard times in believing in themselves and what they truly want. When I was in school pursuing my Bachelors while also playing a sport, at one point it took an entire toll on my life. It was very hard for me to believe that I actually deserved being where I was. I am the first person in my family to go to college, play sports, and get my degree. Having high expectations for yourself isn't a bad thing if you believe in yourself, but if you don't believe in yourself it's going to be tough trying to keep up with those high expectations. Any time I was not performing the way I feel I was supposed to I felt less than. It showed in my game play, it showed in my grades, the test I took. They way I interacted with the people around me, even the ones who cared about me the most. It almost seemed like a form of self sabotaging. Specific steps I took while improving my mental health was first recognizing that I was struggling with a Mental Health issue, then talking to someone who I trusted to help me; which was my Auntie who is a professional Psychologist. I continued to play sports and attend school, I did not give up because I had a goal, I was going to finish that goal no matter how long it took me to get there. I stopped being so hard on myself and was simply doing the best I could to be the best in whatever I wanted to be the best in. I meditated, and I journaled my feelings, and I accepted things for what they were, while also only focusing on the things that I could control, not on the things I could not control.

Growing up at a disadvantage is already tough on a young kid. My parents were young parents who had their first kid at the ages 16 and 17. Young teenagers who were also at a disadvantage, having no idea how they would be able to take care of this child they are bringing into the world. My parents experienced so many things at a young age that no youth should see or experience. I lost my only uncle in May of 2023, my uncle was a drug addict who could not break his habit, it took over his entire existence, but I remember the most positive things about him more than anything. How we were only 9 years apart, when I was 1 year old, he was 10. I remember how he protected me as much as he could from hurt or dangers. Suddenly, he was an addict living on the streets, something as a young adult just trying to figure life out, I could not understand. Wait, I could kind of understand, his mother, my grandmother was an addict, and so was his father. My mom and her brother grew up in a tough home environment together, but the addict bug caught my uncle. We are a small family who did not have much but each other, the only Ill ever have now is gone and he is never returning. There was a time, as a young adult I tried to get him help but he wasn’t ready, it was heartbreaking, but I couldn't help anyone who didn't really want to be helped at the time. When I found out my uncle passed away so young, I was moving toward the peak of my career. I had just moved to another state to take a job that I was super excited about. I moved into my place and a week later I got a call from home saying my uncle passed away. That he was a John Doe for an entire 2 weeks no one knew where he had been. I had to fly home and take on the responsibility of planning his homegoing because no one else really could. I have always been a huge advocate for meditation and journaling because I believe that it truly helps, it has helped me. I even recommend it to my students who I work with while working at a public-school coaching sports and while being a support specialist. Journaling and meditation have helped me release energies that I have held within good or bad, I have a journal dedicated to gratitude and one dedicated to just venting. There are times I do not want to share my feelings with anyone so that is a way for me to release my emotions for a better state of mind. I want to continue my education because I want to provide my students, and student athletes with whatever they need to become successful in life. I want to make myself available in ways I can, going back to school to pursue further education will allow me to do so. I am always open to growing and learning until the day I am gone. The biggest influences in my life to be honest are my grandma and my younger siblings. My grandma was not able to get the opportunities I have now, so I work really hard often with her in mind. My siblings are younger versions of me, so I always want to make sure I am setting a good example for them.