DEI Alliance: Women of Color Coaches Network President Jackie Carson

1. Why did you get into coaching?

It was purely "accidental". I was a pre-med major in college and once I nished my overseas pro career, I thought I would start getting hours for my medical career. I missed the game so much that I became an AAU coach while getting my hours. The next thing I know, I am interviewing at Bucknell for the assistant coach position and the rest is history.

2. How many years have you been coaching?

18th year in college; 1 year of AAU

3. Who has been your biggest influence in coaching and why?

Probably Tim Taylor, current head coach at Navy. He was my assistant coach at Furman and is the reason I got an interview at Bucknell as an assistant. One of the best coaches I ever had.

4. What do you enjoy most about coaching and why?

I love to have an impact on young people both on and off the floor. I love being a part of their development so that one day they can accomplish all their dreams.

5. What has been one of the greatest lessons you have learned about life through coaching? Please explain.
   That I must be thankful through it all. The quote that has stuck with me over the past year is that "I once prayed for everything that I have now." There are going to be challenges, doubts, fears, and disappointments. I am thankful for them all. They helped mold me into a better coach, mom, wife, friend, daughter, and sister.
6. What is your ultimate goal in coaching?

To be happy and to make sure my family is in a great situation

7. What has been your greatest lesson as a coach during the pandemic?

That you must acknowledge every single victory no matter how big or small. At the end of the day, we, as coaches, must be intentional about providing "light" to our teams in a time of darkness.

8. What has been one of the toughest lessons you have learned through coaching? Please explain.

That loyalty and trust is paramount in every relationship. You must surround yourself with

9. As a minority coach, what do you feel has been the biggest challenge for minority coaches in the profession?

Both opportunities and recognition for our Black female coaches. I feel like minority coaches are always "discounted" and never in the conversation with some of the best coaches in the country. Still minorities are only seen as great recruiters. Minority females only make up 17% of Division I women's basketball head coaches. Black females need more opportunities to lead programs, especially when almost 50% of the athletes in the sport are Black females.

10. Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know about you.

     I love to draw and was an avid tennis player growing up!