10/06/2026
A year ago, I started coaching a youth women's basketball team as their Strength & Conditioning Coach. 🇵🇭
Back then, they were competing in the Under-16 division.
Today, some of those same athletes are now playing at the Under-18 level.
Over that time, I've worked with a pool of 35 athletes, with 12 players eventually making the lineup.
And if there's one thing this experience has taught me, it's this:
Young female athletes don't get enough credit.
Before coaching them, I thought men's basketball was more exciting to watch because of the athleticism, height, and physical capabilities.
But coaching these athletes completely changed my perspective. 💯
Because when you don't always have the advantage of size or strength, you have to become more creative.
More skilled. ✅
More resourceful. ✅
You learn how to solve problems.
And they do all of that while balancing school, training, competitions, national tournaments, and all the physical and mental changes that come with being a teenager.
Yet they still show up. 🙌🏼
Every day. 💪🏼
One of my proudest moments as a coach didn't happen during a game.
It happened during a team meeting.
The athletes opened up about their personal experiences, challenges, and struggles.
It was one of those moments where you realize that the bond within a team goes far beyond basketball. ✨
That's when I knew that regardless of the results on the scoreboard, this was a team I would always be proud of.
A team of winners. 🏅
Not because of medals.
But because they kept showing up for one another. 🤝🏼
One thing I've also learned is that there are still many misconceptions about strength training for young female athletes.
Some people think it makes them injury-prone.
Others think it makes them too masculine.
The truth is the opposite. 🔄
When done properly, strength training helps athletes become stronger, more resilient, more confident, and better prepared for the demands of their sport.
That's why this experience has motivated me even more to continue teaching and guiding young athletes.
Because being skilled isn't enough.
Being tactically good isn't enough.
Physical preparation matters too.
Training matters.
Recovery matters.
Nutrition matters.
The process matters.
And most young athletes simply need more structure and guidance in those areas.
That's also the reason I'm currently building an 8-week workout plan for youth athletes. 🔜
A program designed to help them build confidence through proper progression instead of random workouts.
A program that develops the foundations of running, jumping, movement, and strength.
Because confidence doesn't come from motivation.
Confidence comes from preparation.
And after spending the last year working with these athletes, that's something I believe more than ever.
If there's one lesson I hope they carry with them long after basketball is over, it's this:
Fight for what you want regardless of the situation.
And most importantly...
Have fun. 👊🏼
