Sports

GSU women’s basketball coach plays with elementary students

Nadine Domond, head coach of the GSU women’s basketball team, traveled to Minnie Ruffin Elementary of Monroe to bring awareness and enlighten kids on how they can prosper in their future.

“I took this invitation because I wanted the community to know that ‘everybody is somebody’.”  I wanted to bridge the gap between the university and the broader Northeast Louisiana (NELA community and connect with the next generation of student leaders,” said Domond.

Domond felt without the talent in the broader community, Grambling State wouldn’t be the historic institution that it is today.

Along with her communication skills, Coach Domond brought her athletic skills. Assistant women’s basketball coaches David Pierre and Brittanie Taylor-James, , accompanied Domond to help motivate and whip young men and young ladies into shape.

Domond’s dedication and motivation comes from the desire to inspire children.

When asked where the drive comes from, Domond replied, “I am inspired to coach because it allows me to share a love for the game.”

“Through my training program, ‘The Transition,’ I am able to help develop talent to compete at the professional level.  I enjoy helping others perfect their craft…our craft”.

Children weren’t the only thing that inspired Domond, the spark of her inspiration started within the people that surrounded her everyday. Her mother, grandmother, and former coach Vivian Stringer, played the most significant roles in her life.

“I’ve been able to get an education, make a living, play professionally, and travel around the world. So to any young woman, I would encourage them to hone their skills and realize that the journey can be limitless” said Coach Domond.

The elementary students received the knowledge from Domond positively.

“Basketball helps me have a purpose to be tall, so I can be great at it,” said Lauren Varner, a 10-year-old student at Minnie Ruffin Elementary.

Varner is the tallest girl in her 4th grade class and she’s okay with that because she is different than others and basketball comes easy to her.

Women have not always had important, significant roles.  Coach Domond is a product of Title 9.  Title 9 allowed women to get the same opportunities as their men counterparts.

“We were given a level playing field, which gave way to trailblazers like Vivian Stringer of Rutgers, Sylvia Hatchell at UNC Chapel Hill, the late Kay Yow, Dr. Christine Grant, Sue Gunther and many others.  Now, along with many others I am able to participate fully in a profession that I love,” said Domond.

Being that Domond was a women’s coach, she didn’t only inspire the young ladies, but the young men were touched by here presence.

Stevell Johnson, age 9, said, “I never knew I could dribble so fast! Today makes me want to be an NBA player superstar! I want to try out for basketball now.”

For those children who may or may not have positive role models, Coach Domond encourages them to pray, work hard, and believe in their dreams.  Domond accepted the invite from Alicia Calvin, a community organizer and third grade English Language Arts teacher at the elementary school.

Domond looks forward to her upcoming event, Nadine Domond Lady Tiger Nation Basketball Camp, set to take place in June. This camp will provide intense and specialized basketball instructions with an emphasis on basketball fundamentals said Domond.

For more information on the Nadine Domond Lady Tiger Nation Basketball Camps, please contact Domond at 757.329.3268.