1. What does being a Leader mean to you?
A leader means prioritizing team success over individual accomplishment. A leader creates opportunities for their teammates all while empowering and celebrating them.
2. What’s your favorite part of being a leader?
Being able to use my experience in both life and basketball to help influence and lift up the younger generation of hoopers in the Bay Area.
3. How has EMA helped you become the leader you are today?
EMA has taught me that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It is inevitable that you are going to fail, but the best leaders learn from their mistakes and expand their knowledge by asking questions and constantly absorbing information.
4. What’s the best thing you’ve learned at EMA?
To operate outside my comfort zone. As a former student, I learned how to push myself and be uncomfortable. Whether it was 6:00 am pool workouts at Koret, or training with college athletes almost twice my age, I learned that being uncomfortable is a healthy catalyst for growth.
As a coach, I am constantly being pushed outside my comfort zone. Learning how to lead classes, clinics, practices, and individual sessions all have posed their own unique and exciting challenges.
I am incredibly grateful to continue to learn alongside the other amazing coaches and students with EMA.
5. How do you show up as a leader on and off the court?
I show up as a leader by being consistent and maintaining a positive attitude. One of my favorite sayings I took from Coach Gumbs a while back is Maya Angelou’s quote reading:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel.”
Leading with consistency and a positive attitude will have a lasting impact on the people you meet.
6. Who are some leaders that you look up to and why?
LeBron James. When I was younger I had the privilege of attending a Miami Heat practice at USF. I will never forget watching LeBron lead a group of about five teammates in a low-post workout session.
He not only participated in the drills (leading by example), he assisted each one of his teammates by providing precise instruction to help them better understand the details.
Seeing someone command trust and respect at the highest level of basketball is something I will never forget
7. Define EMA with one sentence.
EMA is a place that challenges you and promotes growth all while helping you fall in love with the game of basketball.
8. Complete the sentence: As a leader, I encourage people to…
be authentic and take pride in what you do.
Gift Now