We recently connected with Jamella Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Jamella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I officially launched my non-profit in June of 2024! Before starting my own non profit I was employed at a local non profit organization and coaching high school girls basketball and track at J.F. Webb. Although I felt like I loved what I was doing professionally, I ended up parting ways with the local non profit. For a few days, this left me feeling a little unsure. Unsure about my next move career wise. Unsure about my future… unsure about everything. I was in the midst of launching a new podcast during this period of time and I decided to take the purpose behind starting the podcast and turn that into a non profit organization. Although I was no longer employed at my old job, my heart’s desire was still doing non profit work. I didn’t know if it would work, I just knew I was following God’s lead. He’s never led me astray.

Jamella, 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?

My name is Coach Jamella Smith. I am a 28 year old mother, mentor, coach, community leader and community enthusiast!! I love serving the youth and my community! I got into coaching and community leadership after my playing career ended abruptly in 2018. I felt like God put me through some tough times so that I could help young people navigate those same waters.

I am the founder of the non profit organization, In Her Court Podcast Incorporated. A non profit dedicated to providing scholarship, service, support, resources, and athletics to underserved youth! We offer tutoring, basketball clinics, scholarships, mentoring and more! I have legitimate ties to each community that I serve which makes the mission more personal. That is what I’m most proud of.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe it’s the fact that I am from or have strong legitimate ties to the communities and youth I serve. They believe that my heart is in it for the right reasons and for that they trust my judgment, my product, and my work.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

2017, I was heading into my senior year of college. Earlier that year I had a meniscectomy so I was planning a major comeback for my senior season. I had big dreams of having a phenomenal basketball season, dreams of playing overseas. Three weeks before the season started I was working out and my knee started filling with fluid. I went to Andrews Institute (professional athletics surgery center) my surgeon told me I had retorn my meniscus, the articular cartilage was damaged and my LCL was torn. My senior season was brought to a standstill before it even started. I ended up sitting the entire season out and ultimately giving up basketball.

It was the hardest transition of my life. Basketball wasn’t just what I did, it’s who I was and that person had died. I was grieving that loss.

After graduating college, I came home to work a basketball camp with my old high school assistant coach. I interacted well with the kids and it was almost palpable how much they enjoyed me! Coach was watching as He was preparing to staff as he was heading into his second season as head coach at Chapel Hill High. He hired me! I came home to Coach at my high school Alma mater 🙌🏾

It was a difficult transition but I know it was Gods plan. The number of people I impacted as a player could never compare to the number I impact today as a coach, mentor, and community leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inhercourtpodcast.net
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inhercourtpodcast_
• Facebook: IN HER COURT PODCAST

Image Credits

-DEVTHECREATOR
-ETHAN FERRERA
-Danielle Glover
-Chapman Burnette
-Smith’s Clips Photography