The following text is the opening chapter from Chris Meadows’ newly released book “I Am D-1: How to Conquer the World of Travel Basketball.” Years ago, I relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, in the beginning of the summer—high time for basketball. If you have never lived in a basketball hotbed like the Tar Heel state…
“Given all that is taking place in our country, I feel like Lake Charles, Louisiana has been ignored…If people could only see the devastation, they may understand how badly everyone in Lake Charles is hurting and will be hurting for a long time.“
As we all sit at home wondering what’s next, I have a true story to tell about a flight that changed my life. I am Serge Clement, and I am an assistant men’s basketball coach at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. During the summer of 2013, I coached AAU basketball with Sports University. This was…
The single most important word in the English language. “Why” facilitates learning. “Why” gives comfort and clarity that leads to confidence. “Why” is a compass that helps you navigate choppy waters. “Why” is the foundational building block that sustains you on your journey. So, as cliche as the statement, “KNOW YOUR WHY!” is, it’s imperative,…
IDENTIFY YOUR PLAYERS Most first time head coaches are excited and thrilled to take on their new responsibility. My first head coaching positon was at Prairie View A&M University. Like many, I was excited and motivated to be great and prove I was ready for this challenge. Prairie View had a rich women’s basketball tradition, but sometimes…
You will always be special to me…. – My confidence is a product of the success I achieved because of you.– My attitude and toughness is testament of the competition you’ve provided.– You have taught me to never give up.– I’m a world traveler because your reach is global– I met: my best friend, my…
“Do you love them?” In the wake of the protests across the country over racism, social justice and police brutality, I’ve had two extensive discussions with white colleagues that I have great respect for. They want to have an effective dialogue with their team, and their prevailing concern is this: “How can I best and most effectively…
As I sit here reflecting on my first season as a head coach, there were a ton of positives even though we ended up winning only one game. If not for the for the self-confidence and perseverance my parents instilled in my siblings and I at a young age it would have rattled me pretty good. Now, I would be lying…
There are certain stories that simply need to be told. I am sharing this one because it captures the essence of a unique Hall of Fame coach. I am not sharing it to take anything away from a great Xavier team or their best player, David West, or Coach Thad Matta. Enough time has passed,…
A good teacher can teach students anything. A great teacher helps students discover it within themselves. I think this philosophy exemplifies the definition of a mentor. Throughout my coaching career of 30+ years, I often reflect and take inventory of the people who have served as mentors to me. Each poured into me as a…
