07/27/2026
Before I talk about what this team has accomplished on the basketball court, I first want to acknowledge a few incredible blessings.
🤍 I get to coach a group of girls who truly get it. They show up for one another on and off the court. They put in the work, embrace being coached, hold each other accountable, and understand that real success comes from long-term growth—not instant results.
🤍 I get to own a program built around families who are just as committed as the athletes. We consistently travel with more parents, family members, and supporters than we do coaches and players. That kind of support doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the foundation of the culture we’ve worked so hard to build, and I’m incredibly grateful for every family that has bought in and trusted us.
🤍 I get to coach alongside people who genuinely care. Coach Khera Goss and Coach Austin have poured into these athletes with unwavering commitment, always prioritizing their mental health, mindset, confidence, and overall development. I’m thankful to have coaches who believe in developing great people just as much as great basketball players.
This weekend marks our final tournament with our 2027 players: Adalyn Johnson, Olivia Welch, and Rickayla Davis. We’ve also been fortunate to have Lexi Hensley join us for these last few tournaments. I’ve watched Lexi grow up from the time she was a little girl, played high school AND college bball with her mom, had the privilege of coaching her previously, and now it means so much that she chose to finish her AAU career with Next Play. 🤍
I knew this weekend would be emotional.
You can’t measure what these girls have meant to our program as a whole. Their leadership, basketball IQ, selflessness, energy, and the joy they bring every time they step into the gym has helped shape what Next Play is today. Those qualities can’t simply be replaced, and neither can the relationships we’ve built with them and their families. We are going to miss them more than words can express.
To our younger girls returning next season—you already have a strong foundation. Keep building on it and learn from our current leaders. Carry forward the standards they’ve set, continue investing in each other, and become the next generation that leads this program with the same heart and purpose.
We officially finish Monday, but I’m excited to watch these seniors thrive during their school seasons and continue chasing their dreams at the next level.
To our 2027s, thank you.
Thank you for trusting me, trusting our coaches, and trusting the process. Thank you for being coachable, for allowing yourselves to be vulnerable enough to make mistakes, and for embracing every opportunity to grow your skills, your basketball IQ, and your confidence.
More than anything, thank you for becoming family.
I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am that you chose me to be your AAU coach. Coaching you has been one of the greatest privileges of my career, and a piece of Next Play will always belong to each of you.
Once you’ve had me as a coach, you have me in your corner for life. I’m always here for anything you need 🤍
