A woman's worth: Morgan's women history
Ameera Craigs
Issue date: 3/11/09 Section: Sports
It's always been said that this is a "man's world." However, women are playing a more vital role in every aspect. As we celebrate Women's Heritage Month there is no role greater than that of a coach.
Tucked away in her corner office Kim Ross-Watkins diligently works as Academic Counselor for the athletic department and assistant coach of the cheerleading team. Watkins, a former cheerleader, and Morgan alumni has been coaching at Morgan for 18 years. She became an assistant when head coach Theresa Gibson offered, "I can do that." she recalls confidently. This particular move allowed her further her education to get her graduate degree.
Coach Alicia Clarke started playing basketball as a young girl in Mitchellville, Maryland. Clarke then became a starter at Fayetteville State University and led the Lady Broncos to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championship. Clarke began her coaching career at Morgan while receiving of her Master of Business Administration in 2005 and working with head coach Donald Beasley.
As a Jamaica native, coach Janice Smythe has been a graduate assistant for both Men's and Women's track and field two years. Smythe is also an alumni and ran track under coach Neville Hodge where she participated in the 400m hurdles. Currently, Smythe is pursuing her MBA which links her to Watkins, and Clarke.
Perhaps what makes these women so special is the role they play with their teams. It goes far beyond being responsible for facilitating practices, transportation, hotels, and other duties, but the impact that is made. "I try to provide them with the life lessons and tools that will help them later in life." said Clarke, who is the only woman on staff. Smythe adds, "I try to instill in them hard work by making sure they are doing what they are supposed to do in the classroom. I also try to make sure they are getting the most out of it"
There is an apparent assurance in each coach when talking about how well they relate to their team. "I have first time experience so they if they have questions they can come to me because I pretty much know where they are coming from." said Smythe. Clarke states, "I'm the closet to them age wise and I can give them a point of view as someone who's been there."
Tucked away in her corner office Kim Ross-Watkins diligently works as Academic Counselor for the athletic department and assistant coach of the cheerleading team. Watkins, a former cheerleader, and Morgan alumni has been coaching at Morgan for 18 years. She became an assistant when head coach Theresa Gibson offered, "I can do that." she recalls confidently. This particular move allowed her further her education to get her graduate degree.
Coach Alicia Clarke started playing basketball as a young girl in Mitchellville, Maryland. Clarke then became a starter at Fayetteville State University and led the Lady Broncos to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championship. Clarke began her coaching career at Morgan while receiving of her Master of Business Administration in 2005 and working with head coach Donald Beasley.
As a Jamaica native, coach Janice Smythe has been a graduate assistant for both Men's and Women's track and field two years. Smythe is also an alumni and ran track under coach Neville Hodge where she participated in the 400m hurdles. Currently, Smythe is pursuing her MBA which links her to Watkins, and Clarke.
Perhaps what makes these women so special is the role they play with their teams. It goes far beyond being responsible for facilitating practices, transportation, hotels, and other duties, but the impact that is made. "I try to provide them with the life lessons and tools that will help them later in life." said Clarke, who is the only woman on staff. Smythe adds, "I try to instill in them hard work by making sure they are doing what they are supposed to do in the classroom. I also try to make sure they are getting the most out of it"
There is an apparent assurance in each coach when talking about how well they relate to their team. "I have first time experience so they if they have questions they can come to me because I pretty much know where they are coming from." said Smythe. Clarke states, "I'm the closet to them age wise and I can give them a point of view as someone who's been there."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
samueljaxon
Custom Papers
posted 2/09/10 @ 4:32 PM EST
Thanks for great sports news!
Post a Comment