Season 2 – Episode 1 | Solo Kickoff: Let’s Talk Youth Sports Culture Season 2 is here — and we’re starting with a real conversation. 

In this solo episode, I dive into three topics that every coach, parent, and athlete needs to hear: 

The Culture of Youth Sports: Are we building character… or just chasing trophies? 

Family Fanatics Behind the Benches: When does support turn into pressure? And how do we protect our kids from the noise? 

Does AAU Alone Lead to College Scholarships? The hard truth about exposure, development, and what really separates athletes at the next level. 

This episode sets the tone for Season 2, honest conversations about leadership, accountability, and raising the standard in youth sports. If you care about the future of the game, this one is for you. 

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Let’s build leaders through the game!

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Guest: Thelissa Norwood – Sports Program Coordinator, City of Richland, MS

In our season finale, we sit down with a powerhouse in Mississippi youth sports — Thelissa Norwood, Sports Program Coordinator for the City of Richland. With a deep love for community and a passion for developing young athletes, Thelissa has been a driving force behind youth basketball, mentorship, and leadership in central Mississippi.

From organizing impactful leagues to championing her daughter  — a standout player and future star — Thelissa’s story is full of heart, hustle, and hope.

In this episode:

The role of community in shaping athletes

Her journey as a leader in youth sports

How she balances being a mother and mentor

Vision for Richland athletics and Mississippi basketball

Encouragement for parents, coaches, and players

You’ll walk away inspired by her story and the legacy she’s building for the next generation.

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Guest: Yusef Fitzgerald – Athletic Director, The Piney Woods School

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Coach Yusef Fitzgerald, a respected leader, mentor, and visionary athletic director at one of the most historic schools in America—The Piney Woods School. From his journey through Mississippi basketball to shaping character and excellence on and off the court, Coach Fitzgerald talks legacy, leadership, and the heart behind building athletes who lead with purpose.

Topics Covered:

The mission and legacy of Piney Woods

What makes coaching in Mississippi unique

Faith, mentorship, and long-term impact

Player development and student-athlete success

Advice for coaches and young leaders

Tune in to hear Coach Fitzgerald’s wisdom, passion, and how he's making a difference through sport and discipleship.

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In this powerful episode of the Discipleship Hoops Podcast, we sit down with Coach Chris Parker, head boys basketball coach at Terry High School and proud Terry native. Coach Parker shares his deep passion for developing young men both on and off the court, returning home to lead the next generation of athletes where his own journey began.

From playing days in the 601 to building a culture of discipline and faith at Terry High

Insight on coaching identity, team building, and character-driven leadership

The state of Mississippi basketball and how coaches can shape community

Coach Parker opens up about the challenges, the growth, and the vision that drives him as he leads a new era at Terry. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent—this episode will inspire and challenge you to think about what really matters in youth sports.

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Coach Ashli Sutton | Callaway High School Girls Basketball
Welcome to Discipleship Hoops, where faith meets the game.

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ashli Sutton, Head Girls Basketball Coach at Callaway High School, to hear her powerful story of leadership, legacy, and impact. From her days as a standout player to her journey as a coach and mentor, Coach Sutton opens up about what drives her, how she builds character through basketball, and what it means to develop the next generation of young women both on and off the court.

🔥 Topics We Cover:

• Her journey into coaching
• Leading with purpose and vision
• Building a winning culture at Callaway
• The challenges and triumphs of women in sports
• Faith, mentorship, and the power of influence

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👇 Drop a comment, like, and share this episode if you’re inspired by Coach Sutton’s story.

📲 Follow us: #DiscipleshipHoops #AshliSutton #CallawayBasketball #WomenInLeadership #FaithInSports #HoopDreams

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Daniel “DP” Price — a respected basketball mind with deep Mississippi roots and a global player development presence. From his early coaching years to founding Overtime Performance (OTP), DP shares insight into his journey, the state of Mississippi basketball, and how faith, family, and discipline fuel everything he does.

We also talk about raising athletes, what it’s like to have a son playing professionally overseas, and how DP is building legacy through purpose, performance, and perseverance.

What You’ll Hear:

- How Mississippi shaped DP’s basketball philosophy

- His nationwide coaching journey and player development insights

- The heart behind Overtime Performance (OTP)

-Thoughts on the next generation of hoopers

Faith, fatherhood, and future moves

In this episode of the Discipleship Hoops Podcast, we sit down with Darius Rice—Lanier High legend, Miami Hurricane standout, and 16-year global pro. From dropping 43 on UConn to playing in over 20 countries, Darius shares his powerful journey of perseverance, faith, and impact.

Highlights include:

•43-point game vs. UConn

•Going undrafted and grinding overseas

•Life lessons from family, faith, and adversity

•Coaching and giving back to the next generation

Subscribe, listen, and be inspired.

🎙️ Discipleship Hoops Podcast | Episode Title: Breaking Barriers & Blowing the Whistle: A Conversation with Sarah Thomas

Guest: Sarah Thomas | First Female NFL Official & Super Bowl Referee

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Sarah Thomas, the first female NFL official and the first woman to referee a Super Bowl. A Mississippi native and former college basketball player, Sarah shares her journey from the court to the NFL, how faith and perseverance shaped her path, and what it means to lead with purpose—on the field and in life.

📌 Episode Highlights:

- Her Basketball Journey
- From Basketball to the NFL
- Overcoming Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
- Mental Toughness & Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Motherhood, Family, & Balance
- Advice for Parents in Youth Sports
- Legacy & Leadership
- Final Thoughts: Faith, Grit, and the Power of Staying the Course

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Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations where faith meets basketball, leadership, and life.

🎙️ Episode Title: More Than the Game: Building in Memphis
Guest: Coach Jeffrey, Founder of Memphis Basketball Trainers

In this powerful episode of the Discipleship Hoops Podcast, we sit down with Coach Jeffrey, the heart and hustle behind Memphis Basketball Trainers. From the hardwood to the heart, he’s not just building better players—he’s shaping stronger young men and women through faith, discipline, and intentional mentorship.

We talk about:
🏀 His journey into training and starting Memphis Basketball Trainers
🙏 How faith plays a role in his coaching and daily life
💪 What young athletes in today’s culture really need
🔥 His perspective on burnout, pressure, and the youth sports grind
⚡ Stories of transformation that go beyond stats and highlights

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see training as more than reps—it’s about legacy, leadership, and walking in purpose.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

In the Discipleship Hoops Podcast Season 1 Episode 2, we go back and pick up where my playing days came about and how I went from dribbling with my feet to mastering dribbling with my hands: In this episode I discuss:

- How basketball chose me

- Basketball is my life

- The mission of Discipleship Hoops

- And much, much more 

Use the link below to join our Discipleship Hoops skills training and development…