Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Coach Carol Rhoden . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Coach Carol thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?

I learned that in life all things work together for my good. Some things that may happen in life feel good but it’s some things in life that hurt so bad that it shakes you down to your core and makes you question your very existence. Good or bad, every situation I experience in life will work together for my good. Growing up as a child I loved playing sports, especially football and basketball. I was consistently teased and called a tomboy. Even though I loved playing sports I hated being called a tomboy. One day, while playing basketball with the girls at recess, I remember my 4th grade teacher Ms. Hendrix suggested that I go to the other end of the basketball court and play with the boys. Although I was hesitant, I went anyway because Ms. Hendrix asked me to go and I absolutely loved my teacher. The boys were so angry that I was allowed to play basketball with them.They didn’t like the idea of playing basketball with a girl. This was the beginning of my love and passion for the game of basketball. Basketball eventually became my ticket to college but not without trials, tribulations, and triumphs. I had to teach myself how to shoot a jump shot and when I was 12, I taught myself how to dribble between my legs and behind my back because the boys would block my shot. Even though I was a stand out basketball player, I was different. Because my classmates did not fully understand my gift as an athlete, kids would bully me. They were relentless. They made fun of my hair, clothes, and shoes. Most days I simply hated going to school because I knew I would be teased. Along with being bullied because I was different, I also lost my mom to breast cancer at the age of 15. Losing my mom was a tragedy, but I didn’t let her passing or being bullied keep me from graduating college on a basketball scholarship. After finishing my studies at Auburn University, I walked across the stage and became the first person in my family to graduate from college. Despite everything I experienced, good and bad, all of my trials and tribulations worked together for my good.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an author and motivational speaker that uses life lessons to motivate and inspire people all over the world that all things are possible if only we believe. As a two-time Kodak All-American and WBCS/Junior College Player of the year honoree, I use my expertise as a former player and a coach with 14 years of experience to inspire fans and followers. My first children’s book, “Carol’s Dream” is an Amazon bestseller. It teaches kids as well as adults that the impossible is possible.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I self-published my first book, Carol’s Dream on Amazon. Self-publishing gives you more autonomy but you must work diligently to promote your book..

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Be sincere and remember that helping people should be your main reason for providing a service.

Contact Info:

• Website: Coachcarolrhoden.com
• Instagram: coachcarolrhoden
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.smithrhoden
• Linkedin: Coach Carol Rhoden
• Twitter: @2_hoop
• Youtube: Coach Carol Rhoden

Image Credits
Stylist- Joi Iman Hair Stylist- Salon Fitzgerald Photographer- James Houston, Temperance Griffith- Makeup