Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nehemiah Horace. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nehemiah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.
The journey of becoming a Professional Skills Trainer started from humble beginnings coaching a 3rd grade AAU basketball team. It was during this experience, I gained the patience and proficiency to teach the fundamentals and discipline needed to excel. Subsequently, I was provided the opportunity to coach multiple AAU teams (Hoover Competitive Basketball Club, Magic City Pelicans, & Alabama Fusion) and direct camps within my own organization as well as for other professionals.
Through my passion for basketball and desire to reciprocate the life lessons that it offered, Dream Big Hoops was formed under the umbrella of my nonprofit, The Dream Big Center, Inc. DB Hoops was established to educate athletes on the fundamentals of basketball while emphasizing training through skill development, agility, strength and conditioning. Serving student athletes from grade school to professionals, I learned that it’s not solely about the knowledge of basketball that you can obtain, but the impact you can leave on an athlete’s life while teaching them.
With hard work and dedication, opportunities continue to arise. This first started with an invitation to coach for the Sports Illustrated #1 camp in the country, Snow Valley Basketball Camp. Being able to coach and train among brilliant-minded high school, collegiate, national, and international coaches provided me the confidence and knowledge to extend my services to some of the best athletes in the country. Working alongside these coaches gave me opportunities to grow my name and organization in the basketball world. The family and network created at this camp opened up doors for me to be selected as a coach for Chris Paul Middle School Combine, Rising Stars, MADE Hoops, Gatorade, and numerous other camps. Working at these camps, allowed me to travel across the country serving the top middle and high school boys and girls in their respective regions.
Nehemiah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
DB Hoops provides basketball skill training for middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. These services are provided for 1-on-1 sessions, groups, teams, and camps. The athletes we serve understand the commitment and sacrifices needed to attain their goals of being the best in their respective areas. “Embrace the Process!” This includes multiple workouts per week, skills to work on at home, film study, and recommended podcasts/books that help them mentally throughout their journey. Achieving your dreams is always the goal. Some athletes have daily/game goals, while others have season/yearly goals. We intend to help every athlete reach every milestone on the way to their dream.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
The dedication and genuine care for each individual player on and off the court helped build my reputation in the basketball community. Most athletes use sports as a safe place to release stress and open up in ways that can’t be done elsewhere. I’m the safe ear with no judgement that meets each player where they are. Combining that safe space and the ability to push each player past their limitations allows players to trust me with not only their future in basketball but also as a mentor.
During training, I am particular about the details. I pay close attention to the skills and areas of improvements that athletes need and not only do what is popular or eye catching. I strive to uplift each athlete and hold them accountable. I want each of my athletes to possess skills and leadership that transcend just being on the basketball court.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The success of training and coaching basketball has come with its ups and downs. The journey has not been easy but I wouldn’t change a single thing. I have had athletes leave me to train with more well-known organizations, play for more popular AAU programs, communities turn their backs, ideas stolen, and so much more. For years, I struggled with the confidence behind my methodology of developing the next generation of athletes only because of the mistreatment and disloyalty from previous clientele. These experiences had me second guessing myself. But here I stand! ‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). God has a bigger plan for me and continues to lead me in fulfilling my purpose while fueling the passion that I pour into the game and others. I have surrounded myself with individuals and organizations that see the value in my craft while continuously finding my path to be a respectable coach and trainer in this profession. With the reassurance of my knowledge and methods of teaching from my now, mentors and biggest supporters, I have more than tripled my clientele. I have learned to “Embrace the Process.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dbcenter.org
- Instagram: @coach_neh / @thedbcenter
- Facebook: Nehemiah Horace / The Dream Big Center
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehemiahhorace
- Twitter: @kidd2darock
- Youtube: @dreambighoops
Image Credits
LB Photography , Michael Tyrone Freeman, JP,