I have a story to share with you—a story about a young Black woman on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and unapologetic Black excellence. So, allow me to recount a part of the journey that forever changed the way I viewed myself.
Picture this: it’s game day. The gym is alive with energy, the squeak of sneakers on the court, and the roar of fans in the stands. For me, this is home—a place where I am in my element, commanding the sidelines with purpose and passion, guiding a group of determined young women to greatness.
Each season brought more wins, more recognition, and more cameras capturing the intensity of every moment. Those cameras didn’t miss a thing—not the last-second buzzer-beaters, not the celebrations, and certainly not the face of the coach in the heat of the battle. And let me tell you, those photos caught me in all my unfiltered glory.
At first, I couldn’t help but chuckle at how serious I looked in those shots. I mean, here I was—focused, intense, and completely dialed in. But then the questions started rolling in.
“Why do you look so angry in all those photos?”
“Can’t you smile more?”
“Damn, you look mean, are the girls scared of you?”
Those questions weren’t just harmless observations. They were loaded with the weight of societal expectations. They made me pause and wonder: What are people seeing when they look at me? Do they see the passion, the drive, the unwavering commitment? Or do they see something else entirely?

That’s when I realized I had a choice. I could let the doubts and judgments of others dim my light, or I could stand tall in my truth. And in that moment, I made a decision: I was going to own my passion, my fire, and my unapologetic Blackness.
You see, society has long tried to box us in, portraying Black women as “too much”—too loud, too aggressive, too emotional. But those stereotypes? They don’t define me. They never have, and they never will.
I am a coach who loves this game with every fiber of my being. I am a woman who believes in excellence, discipline, and heart. And I am a Black woman who refuses to apologize for the passion that drives me to uplift others, to inspire the next generation, and to win—on and off the court.

To every Black woman out there chasing her dreams, I say this: Embrace your power. Wear your passion like a crown. Defy the expectations that tell you to be less.
To my fellow Black women coaches: Keep walking boldly in your purpose. Your passion is not a weakness—it’s your superpower. Let them see your fire, let them feel your presence, and let them know that you are here to stay.
Stay rooted in your faith, anchored in your values, and fearless in your authenticity. Your journey is not just about breaking barriers; it’s about building a legacy. And in doing so, you light the path for those who will follow.
So here’s to the trailblazers, the game-changers, the women who refuse to shrink. Here’s to being unapologetic, unstoppable, and unforgettable.
The world needs more of you. Keep shining.