We recently connected with Angela Culliver and have shared our conversation below.
Angela, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Wow where do I start? First I have to say that my passion for sports, especially basketball goes back to a very tender age of about 9 years old. I have done everything from playing since 9 to coaching, refereeing, owning semi professional teams to now being a commissioner of 2 leagues and co-owning a sports management company with multiple teams under it’s umbrella!
In 2016 I was approached by my younger brother whom I began coaching when he was only 9 years old. Very coincidental of our ages 😂 He stated he was playing for a local professional team and asked me to come watch him play. I was taken aback because I had no idea such a team existed in our city, so of course I went to support him. While watching I realized that something more needed to be done and took a very personal interest in this team. I spoke with the owner at halftime and explained what I thought about it and asked to schedule a meeting to talk. We met about 2 weeks later, mostly impart to me wanting to research the league and other successful teams. I explained to him what I felt I had to offer and made a deal to become part owner of that organization. After we completed a contractual agreement, I dug in deep to the changes that needed to take place. I began to implement a new structure. Rebranding, new logo and uniforms were all to follow with collaboration between myself and the original owner.
Angela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Angela “Bossladii” Culliver, known as such by her players, is not only an Army Veteran but also hails from a long line of Armed Forces Family members, including her father. This background has instilled in her values of structure, commitment, hard work, and perseverance. Angela’s passion for basketball began at the young age of 9, and over the past 27 years, she has immersed herself in the sport, transitioning from player to coach, working with various organizations from Boys & Girls Clubs to professional basketball teams. She even spent 9 years as a referee before becoming the owner of multiple professional teams. Ms. Culliver is not only an owner of multiple professional teams, but has also held titles of Regional Director, National Director of League Operations and currently is the Commissioner of 2 professional leagues, the Pro Basketball Association aka the PBA By A&T Sports as well as the Street Basketball Association aka the SBA.
Ms. Culliver understands the value of dedication and teamwork, believing that with the right people, no challenge is insurmountable. Known as “MsTruVision” to many, Angela embodies the essence of a woman with a vision who is steadfast in making that vision a reality. She believes that by fostering a culture of collaboration and hard work, success is inevitable.
Angela is no stranger to community involvement as she actively collaborates with players, city officials, and the community, and building a fan base through her semi-pro teams in multiple states and cities. Angela attributes the success of her A&T Sports brand, established with Tasha Mahone two years ago, to their relentless work ethic, commitment to excellence, rigorous training, and a sense of family within their organization.
Angela prides herself in knowing that she has pushed athletes to be great competitive individuals who are committed and passionate to their craft. She also is proud of the fact that A&T Sports Inc is committed to making sure that each athlete has a safe sense of family and us afforded the opportunity to learn how to form their own LLC’s to be successful beyond the court. They also support their players through life skills training and teaching them how to take care of their mental health.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
On December 15, 2018, I was traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to my newly formed team there’s season opener when 5 minutes from my destination I was hit head on by a drunk driver. Instantly my life was changed forever! From being cut out of a car by 2 jaws of life, first responders trying to do everything possible to keep me alive, being airlifted to Vanderbilt hospital, 9 hours and 45 minutes of surgery to spending weeks and Christmas and New Year’s in a hospital and finally to over a year of rehabilitation with no medical help due to an underinsured motorist and me being self employed. This journey was the most challenging by far! I went from being totally independent to totally dependent in a matter of seconds. I went from never having a broken bone to breaking everything but my right arm! If it had not been for my love of the game, the bed and 4 white walls would have consumed me right along with my unfortunate hate for the drunk driver. One morning I woke up and asked God to take all of my anger, hurt and hatred and turn it into strength! That’s where my resilience was born. It took days, weeks, months and finally a year but I am walking and using my limbs. Unfortunately I am not the same physically and I live with daily pain, but I’m here and I’m a warrior! I believe God saved me to fulfill my purpose and I vow to walk in that truth everyday of my life!
How’d you meet your business partner?
When it comes to my A&T Sports Inc brand, that’s a Covid Baby ❤️🙏🏽 My dear friend Timothy Crumbley whom also was my big brother in love with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, (I am an Omega Essence 💜💛)contracted Covid and unfortunately lost his battle to it. I was utilizing his organization’s gym so when he passed I met his predecessor Tasha Mahone. She and I would speak weekly and in conversation she mentioned if I ever had an assistant coaching position she would love the opportunity. Well that day came and thus the organization was created A&T Sports!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pbaplayers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstruvision?igsh=bmFxYzExcnkxMTgx&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aculliver?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-culliver-7520a064?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: @mstruvision
Image Credits
Photo Credits to Cassie Montgomery, Angela Culliver and A&T Sports Inc.