By Deja Taylor
Instead of lacing up their sneakers, grabbing a basketball and performing intense drills, the varsity Lady Blue Devils took a different approach.
Life coach and parent Johnell Ferrell mentored the team two days a week. Wednesdays are reserved for seniors while Saturdays are sessions for the rest of the team. They learn leadership skills, communication skills and the importance of goal setting and decision-making.
Mrs. Ferrell owns LifeSense, LLC, a leadership development business.
“Coach Ferris was looking to develop leaders on and off the court and to build an elite girls program, but she realized that leaders have to be developed,” Mrs. Ferrell said.
Senior guard and post player Kierra “Texas” Bell-Lannear said that the sessions started before the season.
“I’ve learned how to not react to everyone’s decisions and opinions and how to communicate better,” Kierra said.
Junior point guard Dazia Jones said the team has learned how to talk to people and understand life’s situations.
“[Life coaching] motivates us to be a better person and help our community,” Dazia said.
Mrs. Ferrell said that it was an honor to donate her services to the team.
“Some of the topics we covered were transitions, building an elite player, becoming an elite leader, the power of words, individual and team branding, effective communication, stress, regrets and healthy living,” Mrs. Ferrell said.
Junior power forward T’Yanna Coker said that the mentoring program is a great way for the team to connect.
“The best thing about the group was finding an adult that you could talk to without feeling like you can’t trust her,” T’Yanna said.
Mrs. Ferrell said that the mentoring program is not an overnight process.
“If high school teams incorporate these types of programs, just like the colleges and universities have already done, they will see a greater return in the student-athletes because you are developing them not just as athletes but as individuals, and that was the coach’s vision,” Mrs. Ferrell said.
Recent Comments