Some athletes play basketball. Others live it.

Meet Wrigley Green — a rising junior whose passion for the game has already carried her across states, from Chicago to Oregon to Texas, and into the spotlight as one of the most exciting young players in the nation. Her story is about more than buckets and highlights — it’s about family, resilience, and an unstoppable drive to chase greatness.

Wrigley’s love for basketball started early — really early. At just three years old, her dad put a basketball in her hands, and she’s never let go. Growing up playing in co-ed leagues, often the only girl on the court, Wrigley learned how to compete fearlessly.

“I just loved it ever since,” she says. “It didn’t matter who I was playing against — I just wanted to win.”

When her family moved to Oregon, that love turned into focus. Club basketball became her classroom. Discipline and hard work became her teachers. By the time her family settled in Texas, Wrigley had already built the foundation of a future star — ready to take on one of the toughest basketball regions in America.

Now representing the Argyle Lady Eagles, Wrigley has become a must-watch player. Her shooting range is deadly, her energy relentless, and her work ethic unmatched.

“I give everything I have, every single game, every single practice,” she says.

One unforgettable moment? Dropping 37 points during an Adidas 3SSB circuit game against one of the nation’s top teams. “Sometimes you’re just in the zone,” she laughs. “That was one of those nights.”

Playing for Texas Lone Star, Wrigley has thrived in a system that rewards effort, teamwork, and grit — the same qualities that have made her a leader on and off the court.

With her junior year underway, Wrigley’s sights are set on the next level. Her goal? To earn a scholarship, play in March Madness, and one day make it to the WNBA or the pro leagues overseas.

“It’s been my dream forever. March Madness is even my ringtone!” she laughs.

When she talks about basketball, her energy is contagious. She’s not just chasing trophies — she’s chasing growth, competition, and the chance to inspire other girls to chase their dreams too.

Off the court, Wrigley is all heart. She loves hanging out with friends, cooking, shopping, and yes — dominating in fantasy football. “I just love talking,” she admits with a smile. “That’s why I want to go into sports broadcasting one day.”

Her family plays a huge role in her journey. Whether it’s her brother introducing her to tennis or her dad pushing her to keep working, the Greens have built an environment of support, love, and accountability.

Wrigley Green isn’t just an athlete — she’s a reminder that dreams come true when passion meets preparation. Her story is proof that the path to success isn’t always straight, but with faith, family, and focus, anything is possible.

“If you want it, go for it. Nobody’s going to give it to you — you’ve got to earn it.”

Wrigley Green’s rise is just beginning — and you can be part of it!

• 💥 Hit subscribe on SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next wherever you listen to podcasts.

• 📲 Share this episode with someone chasing their own dream.

• 💬 Drop a mind-blown emoji (💥) in the comments to show Wrigley some love!

Because from Chicago to Oregon to Texas, one thing’s clear — Wrigley Green’s name belongs in the spotlight. 🌟

🏀 From the Playground to the Big Stage🔥 Texas Takeover: The Rise of a Star🏆 Chasing Big Dreams🎤 Beyond Basketball: The Personality Behind the Player🌟 Why Wrigley Green’s Story Matters💬 Join the Journey

From doing laundry and cutting film to strategizing alongside one of the most dynamic head coaches in college basketball, Coach Jake Whitehead has mastered the art of turning humble beginnings into high-level success.

In this episode of SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next, we dive deep into Jake’s rise from a homeschooled kid in Illinois to an assistant coach under Coach Yo at Ole Miss Women’s Basketball, one of the most exciting programs in the country. His journey is raw, unconventional, and proof that passion plus patience always wins.

Jake didn’t have the traditional road into basketball. He wasn’t a high school star or a college athlete — he started as a manager at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), doing the behind-the-scenes work no one else wanted. Laundry. Gear. Film breakdown.

“It wasn’t glamorous, but I knew this was my way in,” he says.

Guided by mentors who saw his hunger, Jake leaned into video coordination, learning the analytics, patterns, and tendencies that define elite basketball. His eye for detail and relentless drive opened the door that would eventually lead him to the sidelines in Oxford.

Before he ever drew up plays, Jake was building scouting reports. His experience as a video coordinator gave him an edge few coaches have.

“You watch enough film and you start seeing the game differently,” he explains.

That skill became his superpower. Now as an assistant coach, Jake uses analytics and film study to help Ole Miss outthink and outplay the competition — from breaking down opposing offenses to identifying hidden edges that win games.

Working under Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin — affectionately known as Coach Yo — has been transformative. Her energy and fearless leadership have made Ole Miss one of the toughest programs in the SEC.

“She’s fearless,” Jake says. “Her leadership makes it easy to recruit and win here. My job is to make her life easier and help this team achieve greatness.”

Together, they’ve built a culture defined by discipline, joy, and relentless competitiveness — a mix that’s propelled the Rebels toward consistent national relevance and their sights firmly set on a Final Four run.

For Jake, success isn’t just about strategy — it’s about people.

“You’ve got to meet people where they’re at,” he says.

Whether it’s mentoring players, recruiting future stars, or connecting with families, his approach is rooted in understanding and empathy. He’s not just coaching basketball — he’s shaping young women to win in life.

When he’s not in the film room, Jake keeps it country. His playlists feature Eric Church, Morgan Wallen, and Travis Tritt, while “Jesus Walks” by Kanye West serves as his personal anthem of faith and perseverance.

And if you’re ever in Oxford? Find him at Old Coop Wings, where lemon pepper and garlic parmesan are the go-tos. 🍗

“Good food and film — that’s a perfect day,” he laughs.

Coach Whitehead isn’t content just being part of the story — he wants to help write the next great chapter in Ole Miss basketball.

“We’re trying to go to a Final Four. That’s the goal. I told Coach Yo that’s what I came here for.”

With his combination of film expertise, recruiting savvy, and relentless energy, there’s no doubt Jake’s rise is only beginning.

Coach Jake Whitehead’s story proves that the road less traveled can lead straight to greatness.

What part of his journey inspired you most?
Drop your favorite emoji 🔥❤️ in the comments, tell us your go-to wing flavor, and join the movement by following @SportsLifeTalk.

🎙️ Subscribe to SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next — where we celebrate the players, coaches, and creators who are changing the game, one story at a time.

🏀 The Path Less Traveled🎥 Film Don’t Lie: The Power of Analytics💪 Learning Under Coach Yo: Culture and Confidence💡 Lessons Beyond the Sidelines🎶 Off the Clock with Coach Whitehead🔥 The Vision Ahead💬 Join the Conversation

When passion meets perseverance, magic happens.

This week on SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next, we bring you the inspiring journey of a family that’s redefining the culture of women’s basketball — Coach Bryan Dickerson and his daughter, Coach Erin Dickerson Davis. Together, they’ve turned a shared love for the game into a generational legacy that’s touching lives from grassroots gyms to Division I arenas.

For more than two decades, Coach Bryan Dickerson has been the heart and soul of youth basketball. As a volunteer coach, he’s helped shape hundreds of athletes, guiding many to college scholarships — all while staying true to his love for the game.

His success with Team Takeover — one of the nation’s most respected AAU programs — includes two national championships and countless stories of young players realizing their dreams. But no victory compares to coaching his daughter, Erin.

“I coached her hard,” Bryan admits. “But it made her tough.”

That toughness turned Coach Erin Dickerson Davis into a trailblazer. Now the head coach at William & Mary, she’s making history — leading the program to its first-ever 20-win season and becoming the winningest coach in school history.

“I wanted to be the coach I wish I had,” Erin says. “That’s what drives me every single day.”

Coaching your own child isn’t easy. Bryan had to find the balance between pushing and protecting. And Erin? She had to learn to separate “Coach” from “Dad.”

She laughs about it now — but back then, those moments built resilience. The nickname “E.T.,” short for Every Time, came from her dependable shot in high school. That consistency, that confidence — it’s carried her through every chapter of her career.

After graduating from Northwestern, Erin passed up corporate job offers to chase her dream of coaching — a decision that even made her dad pause at first. But once he saw her purpose and passion in motion, he knew she was born for this.

The Dickersons have seen it all — the wins, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. Their advice for parents, players, and coaches? Keep basketball fun.

• 🎯 Parents: Support your kids. Don’t make the game about pressure or rankings — make it about growth.

• 💪 Players: Be accountable. Success comes from consistent effort, not shortcuts.

• 🧡 Coaches: Appreciate your circle. The people who believe in you are your foundation.

“Basketball should bring you joy,” Erin says. “When it stops being fun, that’s when you need to reset.”

Erin is locked in on taking William & Mary to new heights, building a winning culture brick by brick. Meanwhile, Bryan continues shaping the next generation through Team Takeover, preparing young hoopers for college and beyond.

And yes — the next generation is already suiting up. Bryan’s granddaughter is following right behind, carrying the Dickerson legacy forward. 🙌

The story doesn’t end here. The Dickersons have passed the baton to the next family on deck — Arnie and Britney Morris, another powerful basketball duo whose story will soon be featured on SportsLifeTalk.

Family. Passion. Legacy. This is what the game is all about.

What’s your favorite basketball family memory?
Drop it in the comments and throw in an 🙄 emoji to show love to the Dickersons!

🎧 Subscribe to SportsLifeTalk: You Got Next for more stories of inspiration, family, and greatness on and off the court.

And remember — tough times don’t last, but tough people do. 🖤

💫 A Family Bond Built Through Basketball🔥 The Challenge of Coaching Family🧠 Wisdom from the Dickersons👑 What’s Next for the Dickerson Dynasty💥 Passing the Torch💬 Join the Conversation

What does it take to win—consistently—for over 500 games?
For Coach Mark Kellogg, it’s not about the scoreboard. It’s about people.

From Richardson, Texas, to the bright lights of West Virginia University, Coach Kellogg has built one of the most respected careers in women’s basketball, transforming every program he’s touched into a contender. His story is one of purpose, passion, and building a culture where toughness meets trust, and winning becomes a byproduct of doing things the right way.

Growing up in Richardson, basketball was more than a game—it was a lifestyle. Mark Kellogg spent his childhood running the courts until the streetlights came on, learning competition and teamwork before he ever wore a jersey.

He first dreamed of a career in sports broadcasting, even interning at a Dallas radio station before realizing his true calling was coaching. That revelation set him on a journey that would take him across the country—from Montana State to Stephen F. Austin, and now to West Virginia, where he’s turning the Mountaineers into one of the toughest teams in the Big 12.

Coach Kellogg’s philosophy is simple:

“Winning is the byproduct of everything else.”

He recruits high-character players—athletes who care as much about each other as they do about championships. His teams are known for their defense, their discipline, and their effort on every possession.

That identity fits perfectly in West Virginia, a state built on grit, pride, and blue-collar toughness. Under Kellogg, the Mountaineers have become one of the most aggressive defensive teams in the nation, consistently ranking among the top in turnovers forced.

The heart of Coach Kellogg’s success isn’t just on the court—it’s at home.
His wife Trish, herself a former college basketball player and coach, and their two children share his passion for the game. Basketball isn’t just a job for the Kelloggs—it’s a family mission.

“We talk hoops at dinner, watch games together, and support each other in everything,” he says.
It’s that sense of unity that mirrors what he builds inside his locker room: a family that works, learns, and wins together.

As the Mountaineers prepare for another thrilling season, Coach Kellogg is focused on growth, culture, and competition. With a new roster, a challenging Big 12 schedule, and marquee matchups—like a neutral-site showdown with Duke at The Greenbrier—he’s ready to write the next chapter of West Virginia’s winning tradition.

“Every year is a blank slate. Every team is a new opportunity to create something special.”

For recruits, he offers more than a scholarship—he offers a community that will invest in them for life.

“This state has no pro sports teams. The people here make you their team. You’ll be valued, supported, and developed—on and off the court.”

Coach Kellogg’s journey is a masterclass in consistency and leadership:

• Recruit the right people, not just the right players

• Culture beats talent when talent doesn’t buy in

• Family and authenticity matter most

After more than 500 wins and decades of success, his impact stretches far beyond the stat sheet—it lives in the players he’s developed, the programs he’s elevated, and the legacy he continues to build.

🌟 The Journey: From Texas Roots to the Big 12💪 Building a Culture That Wins👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family First, Always🔥 What’s Next for West Virginia Women’s Basketball?🏆 Lessons from a Lifelong Coach

Some athletes shine.
Some dominate.
And then there’s Brooklyn Smith — the Louisiana-born, Texas-tested phenom who’s rewriting what “up next” really looks like.

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring rise of Brooklyn, a Class of 2027 standout whose blend of confidence, toughness, and pure skill has already earned her a spot among the nation’s elite young hoopers. From co-ed courts at age five to earning First-Team EYBL honors, Brooklyn’s story is a reminder that greatness often grows from humble beginnings — and from a fire that refuses to fade.

Brooklyn’s journey began with backyard battles, co-ed leagues, and a competitive spirit sharpened through hours of hooping with her brothers. Early on, she learned the value of resilience, hard work, and showing up with heart — lessons that would follow her into the national spotlight.

Last summer, Brooklyn stepped onto the Nike EYBL 16u stage and made sure the country remembered her name. Representing CyFair, she became a three-level scorer, a fearless defender, and one of the toughest matchups on the floor. After a quieter season in 15u, she showed up determined, hungry, and ready to make noise.

And she didn’t just make noise — she made history.

Her breakout performance earned her First-Team EYBL honors, putting her among the best of the best and proving that her ceiling is sky-high.

Leaving Madison Prep — a powerhouse in Louisiana — wasn’t easy. But Brooklyn chose growth over comfort, transferring to Faith Family Academy, a program known for developing elite talent and competing on the biggest stages.

Her reason?

“I wanted to trade something good for something great.”

Now surrounded by national-level competition and elite development resources, Brooklyn is preparing to take her game to another level.

As she heads into her senior year and final club season, Brooklyn’s sights are clear:

✅ Build genuine relationships with college coaches
✅ Find a program that feels like home
✅ Keep elevating her game
✅ Reach the WNBA — her ultimate dream

With her work ethic and passion, it’s not a matter of if — it’s when.

Her journey reflects what makes youth basketball so special — talent meeting opportunity, hard work meeting preparation, and belief meeting destiny. Brooklyn is becoming not just a standout athlete, but a role model for every young hooper with big dreams and even bigger heart.

📲 Follow Brooklyn: @sk_period_brheaaa
💬 Support Rising Stars: Nominate an athlete at sltugotnext.com
🎧 Stay Connected: Subscribe to SportsLifeTalk for more stories that inspire, motivate, and celebrate the next generation of greatness

💫 A STAR IN MOTION🔥 EYBL 16u: A STATEMENT SEASON🏀 NEW CITY. NEW CHALLENGE. NEW LEVEL.🚀 WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS🌟 WHY BROOKLYN’S STORY MATTERS🙌 FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

Some leaders coach the game. Others change it.
Coach Tamisha Augustin is doing both.

From her early days on co-ed YMCA courts to becoming the fearless head coach of Hampton University Women’s Basketball, her story is a blueprint for grit, grace, and generational impact. With over two decades of experience — spanning high school, the G-League, and the NCAA — Coach Augustin has mastered the art of building culture, elevating players, and proving that excellence has no limits.

Tamisha’s journey began when she picked up a basketball at age five. Her family envisioned cheerleading; she envisioned greatness. By middle school she was running co-ed teams and making believers out of skeptics.

That love carried her to Alabama A&M, where she became a four-year starter, captain, and leader on and off the floor. “It made me who I am,” she says — the woman who could fight through anything, on any court.

Coach Augustin didn’t plan to coach. With a biology degree and a master’s in microbiology, she was on the road to dentistry — until a legend, Boo Williams, invited her to coach an AAU team of 14-year-olds.

That was the moment.

“This is God’s order,” she says.

From there, she climbed every rung of the basketball ladder — high-school gyms, college sidelines, and even the G-League. Her philosophy? If the door opens, walk through it — and make it better than you found it.

Her time at the University of Arizona marked a defining chapter. As an assistant during the Wildcats’ historic 2021 National Championship run, she witnessed firsthand how belief and chemistry create miracles.

From Aari McDonald’s iconic performances to that unforgettable win over UConn, Augustin soaked up lessons that still guide her today: trust the process, build team energy, and lead with heart.

In 2022, she accepted the head-coaching role at her home-state HBCU, Hampton University — calling it a “God-ordained assignment.”

This wasn’t just a career move. It was a homecoming.

“Hampton wins,” she declares. “We’re here to continue that tradition.”

Under her leadership, the Pirates shocked the basketball world with a comeback win over a Power Four program in her first season — rallying from 16 down in the third quarter. Her teams don’t fold. They fight.

Coach Augustin’s vision extends beyond basketball. She’s built partnerships like the Mielle Organics x Hampton WBB initiative, connecting players with internships, brand opportunities, and WNBA mentors.

“We’re not selling dreams,” she says. “We’re making them happen.”

At Hampton, academics, athletics, and character development all share the same spotlight — because she’s not just building players, she’s building women who lead.

Hampton University isn’t just a school — it’s a movement.

For athletes who want the full HBCU experience and the challenge of top-tier basketball, Coach Augustin’s pitch is simple:

“Whether you want to be a pro, a lawyer, or a doctor — we’re preparing you for life after basketball.”

Discipline. Effort. Consistency. Faith. That’s the Hampton way.

As the Pirates charge into a new era, Coach Tamisha Augustin stands at the center — leading with purpose, passion, and that unmistakable Hampton pride.

This isn’t just a program; it’s a legacy in motion.

So drop a 💙, share this episode, and help spread the word about a coach who’s changing the narrative for HBCU basketball one player, one possession, one season at a time.

🎧 Follow Coach Augustin on Instagram: @tamagu05
🎙️ Follow Sports Life Talk for more incredible stories that celebrate women’s basketball, culture, and community.

🌟 The Beginning of a Basketball Life🔥 A Destiny Rewritten🏆 Arizona and the Magic of a Championship Run💙 Coming Home to Hampton University💼 Culture & Community — The Hampton Way🎯 Her Message to Recruits & Dreamers🌠 The Future Is Bright

Nicole's story begins like many hoops dreams do — a ball, a driveway, and a passion that didn’t ask for permission.

She was seven, hooping in junior leagues and refusing to back down from anybody — boy, girl, didn't matter.

By college?
✅ 4-time All-Frontier Conference pick
✅ NAIA All-American
✅ All-time leader in threes and wins at Westminster College

She didn't just hoop — she studied the game, lived the game, and built a foundation as strong mentally as it was physically.

“I didn’t know where basketball would take me — I just wanted to be the best version of myself every single year.”

Fast-forward — she’s now the Associate Head Coach at Weber State, and let’s keep it all the way real…

The Wildcats were down bad when she got there.
Bottom of the Big Sky.
No momentum.
Nobody talking about them.

Now?
They finished tied for third in the conference — and the arrow is pointing UP. 📈

Why the shift?
Culture. Accountability. Love. Standard.

“You can’t fake care. Players feel everything. Our program is built on love, trust, and doing the work together.”

Coach Yazzie coaches hard because she loves hard. She celebrates loudly, corrects firmly, and leads from the front.

Nicole’s heritage isn’t just part of her story — it’s her heartbeat.

Both parents grew up on a reservation. She is a proud Native woman who carries her people with her every time she steps on the floor.

And now, coaching a player from her parents’ reservation?
That’s God’s full-circle moment.

“I want young Native athletes to see what’s possible. If I can do it, they can too.”

Her presence isn’t just powerful — it’s transformational.

Coach Yazzie doesn’t just coach a team — she lives the meaning of family.

She’s married to her partner and rock, Courtney, and raising three beautiful kids — including newborn twins.

She’s doing the 6am bottles, the staff meetings, the scouting reports, the recruiting calls, the late-night game film — and then doing it all again tomorrow.

And still she pours into her players like they are her own.

“My family is my brand. I coach with love because I live with love.”

At Weber State?
Her home is an extension of her locker room.
Her players have a seat at her dinner table.
They feel the love — and play with that same heart.

Coach Yazzie is built for a head-coaching chair — and the time is coming.

She’s not rushing it.
She’s not skipping steps.

But she knows the vision.
And when the moment arrives?
She’ll be ready.

“We’re gonna keep climbing. This Weber State team is special. And we’re just getting started.”

And when you pull up to Ogden?
She’s sending you straight to Slackwater Pizza for that 🔥 hot-honey pepperoni.

If there was ever a scout you didn’t want to argue with — it’s Coach Yazzie on food recommendations. 🍕😂

Tell us in the comments…
What inspired you most about Coach Yazzie’s journey?

Drop her favorite emoji combo to show love:
😉👅

🎧 Now hit play — because this story?
It’s emotional. It’s powerful.
And it’s one the basketball world needs to hear.

Subscribe. Share. Celebrate women who are changing the game.

🐺 Rebuilding Weber State From the Inside Out🎤 Representation Matters👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Wife. Mom. Leader. World-Shaker.🧗‍♀️ What’s Next? The Future Is Calling.💬 Tap In With the SLT Family

Believe it or not, before Coach Norman ever drew up a ball-screen defense or recruited a future WNBA star, she was… a fisheries biologist.

Yes, really.

With a wildlife biology degree from Arizona State University, she started her career rehabilitating streams for salmon spawning with the U.S. Forest Service — proof that paths can pivot, passions can emerge late, and purpose can find you anywhere.

A chance opportunity led her to chase a graduate assistant coaching role — typing letters to 20–30 programs until only one — the University of Hawaii — said yes.

Three days later, she flew from Europe to Hawaii and walked into the beginning of a coaching career that would change countless lives.

Sometimes all you need is one person, one yes, one moment.

What followed?
🔺 18 years at Louisville
🔺 Multiple Final Fours
🔺 Five straight Elite Eight appearances
🔺 25 players guided to the WNBA
🔺 A program that became a national powerhouse

At Louisville, she didn’t just help build a championship culture — she became part of one.

Yet after nearly two decades, loyalty and legacy led her home.

Coach Norman returned to her alma mater with intention, clarity, and fire in her voice:

“I came here for two reasons — to elevate this program and to protect Coach Molly Miller.”

This isn’t nostalgia — it’s unfinished business.
It’s belief in the future.
And it’s leadership rooted in purpose.

She calls ASU a “pipeline to paradise” — a school with limitless opportunity, elite resources, and a mission to build winners on and off the floor.

“We don’t recruit participators — we recruit dominators.”

This isn’t a rebuild… it’s a reclamation.

If experience is the best teacher, Coach Norman has a PhD in leadership.

Her lessons hit different:

• Adapt or get left behind — the game evolves, and so must you

• Know enough about everything to connect with anyone

• Have fun — joy fuels longevity

• Stand on integrity and standards, always

• Growth isn’t loud — it’s persistent

Title IX, transfer portal, NIL, mental health shifts — she’s coached through every era and stayed relevant in all of them.

That isn’t luck. That’s mastery.

She calls this her “swan song,” but don’t confuse that with slowing down.

There’s still culture to build.
Standards to set.
Young women to shape.
And a program to elevate.

If her journey started with biology, it ends with legacy — and she intends to close the book right where she opened it: Arizona State University.

Because longevity is rare.
Adaptability is rare.
Sustained excellence is rare.

Coach Norman embodies all three — and she has done it with humility, humor, and a deep passion for the game and the humans who play it.

This isn’t just a basketball episode.
It’s a blueprint for leadership, career reinvention, and finishing strong.

Which part of Coach Norman’s journey inspired you most?

Drop a 🎓🔥 emoji if you're tapping into the wisdom.

And if you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, or fan dreaming big… this episode is fuel for the climb ✊🏽🏀

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SportsLifeTalk Presents: You Got Next
Elevating voices, celebrating journeys, growing the game.

🔥 Building a Legacy: Louisville and Beyond🌞 Why Arizona State? Why Now?🧠 Wisdom From 40 Years in the Arena🏁 The Final Chapter — And the Legacy She's Leaving📣 Why Coach Norman’s Story Matters🎤 Tap In With Us

Some stories don’t start with a blueprint — they start with grit. With faith. With a suitcase and a dream bigger than the fear that comes with chasing it. This is the journey of Coach Sara Anastasieska, a warrior who traveled halfway across the world, battled injury after injury, earned TWO master’s degrees, played at some of the biggest programs in college basketball, and has now found her purpose pouring into the next generation as an assistant coach at Robert Morris University.

This episode of Sports Life Talk: You Got Next is your front-row seat to a life defined by resilience, rebirth, and refusing to fold.

Born in Macedonia, raised in Australia, Sara’s early life was about survival and belonging. She didn’t speak English. She didn’t know the culture. But she had two things:

Curiosity & courage.

That curiosity led her to pick up a basketball in sixth grade — by accident — and she never let it go. From boys’ teams to national teams, she climbed fast. She wore the Australian jersey proudly at the U17 & U18 international level — a dream that stamped her identity:

“If you never stop growing, you never stop going.”

Most players never touch ONE Power 5 gym. Sara lived in several. But the path wasn’t glamorous — it was a battlefield.

Three straight years injured.
Two spinal surgeries by age 21.
Rehab. Setbacks. Tears. Repeat.

But the comeback moment?
25 points vs. UConn.
On the biggest stage. Against the best.

Proof that you can break, heal, and still rise higher than before.

Sara always thought she’d be a player forever — until life redirected her. While rehabbing, she hit the books, earned TWO master’s degrees, and discovered a gift bigger than scoring:

Coaching. Teaching. Mentoring.

She became DBO at UC Santa Barbara, earned her stripes off the court, then made the jump to Assistant Coach at RMU — where she is helping build something special.

Robert Morris isn’t just a program — it’s a family. A culture. A mission.

Sara breaks it down:
✅ Fast pace
✅ Depth & versatility
✅ International flavor
✅ Weekly mental & life check-ins

They are building athletes AND humans.
And Coach Sara is a heartbeat in that mission.

🌱 A New Country, A New Language, A New Dream✈️ The NCAA Leap: UTSA ➜ Cal ➜ Duke ➜ Illinois🧠 Two Master’s Degrees, One Calling🏴‍☠️ The RMU Way: Fast, Deep, and Family-Built

In this episode of SportsLifeTalk: You Got Next, Head Coach KT and B Jones sit down with Maddie to talk about her journey from small Catholic school gyms to the spotlight of Illinois high school basketball. Her story is one of determination, community, and proving that hard work always finds a way to shine.

Maddie’s basketball story began the old-fashioned way — on neighborhood courts, playing with friends and being coached by her parents. From the moment she realized she could outplay everyone else on her team, the fire was lit.

“I started to realize I could beat everyone, and it gave me a little chip on my shoulder,” she laughs. That early competitive edge would go on to define her style — tough, fearless, and confident.

Whether she’s draining jumpers, locking down defenders, or controlling the boards, Maddie plays every possession with purpose.

“One of my favorite things is getting a big block,” she says. “It’s about setting the tone.”

Her game mirrors that of UConn’s Paige Bueckers, who Maddie admires for her ability to do it all — score, pass, rebound, and lead. It’s a comparison that makes perfect sense, because Maddie isn’t limited by position or labels. She’s simply a basketball player, and a darn good one.

At Loyola Academy, earning minutes means competing against elite talent every single day. That challenge is exactly what Maddie loves about it.

“To get on the court, you have to prove yourself every day,” she says. “It’s what makes Loyola special.”

And when it’s rivalry week? Maddie locks in even more. She thrives on silencing opposing crowds and embracing the pressure that comes with the big stage. “I love away games,” she says with a grin. “It’s the best feeling when the gym goes quiet.”

Maddie sharpens her skills with Full Package Athletics, one of the top AAU programs in the Midwest. From the first day she joined, she knew it was home.

“The intensity was exactly what I needed,” she recalls. “It pushed me to another level.”

Under the guidance of Coach Steve Pratt, Maddie has continued to evolve — adding layers to her game, learning leadership, and mastering the details that separate good players from great ones.

Every athlete has a defining moment — that game that changes everything. For Maddie, it came against her school’s fiercest rival, Maine South.

Early in the game, she sprained her ankle. Most players would’ve sat out. Maddie? She stayed in, scored 30 points, and led Loyola to victory.

“I wasn’t coming out,” she says. “I had to be there for my team.”

That performance cemented her reputation as one of Illinois’ fiercest competitors — and a player who leads with both toughness and heart.

As she heads into her junior season, Maddie’s focus is crystal clear: win a state championship, earn All-Conference and All-State honors, and continue chasing her dream of playing college basketball.

“I’m looking for a program that values team basketball and lets me be versatile,” she says. “I want to keep growing as a player and as a person.”

With her work ethic, leadership, and natural instinct for the game, there’s no doubt — college coaches are watching.

When the sneakers come off, Maddie is all about balance. She loves movie nights, beach days with friends, and exploring downtown Chicago’s food scene. Her go-to spot? La Scarola, an Italian restaurant known for its pasta fazool and family atmosphere.

“I’m a homebody at heart,” she admits. “I just love good food and being around the people I care about.”

Maddie gives major credit to her parents and her AAU coach, Steve Pratt.

“My mom and dad do everything — from driving me to practice to cheering me on,” she says. “And Coach Steve? He’s pushed me to be my best.”

It’s that foundation of love and accountability that continues to fuel her growth.