Old Friends and New Relationships

Zachery HS Basketball Team

Good morning everyone!


Yesterday I went to visit Zachery High School. Their Girls basketball team is being coached by one of our own, April Brown. April played for Coach Gunter at LSU a year before I got there and I must tell you that she was definitely a joy to watch. And definitely a shooter! Last week she had asked me to come by and speak to her kids, and of course you all know i was going to say yes. I have to tell you upon arrival I was really impressed with this high school. There is so much being put into this school to help better the kids education, as well as their physical education. Their football stadium was nonetheless impressive, but then I get to the gymnasium and the new floor that was being built with the pullout goal and the court actually being ninety four feet was super impressive. There is also a theater room being put in that the ladies will have for themselves and not share with the guys. I dont know about you all but to me that is a very big thing. I was so pleased to see a school care so much about their girls program as they do their boys.  After being shown around, I headed to the meeting room to address Coach Brown's Team. These young ladies were fun, well mannered, enjoyable, and pleasant if I may say so. 

As I began to speak, I spoke with them about teamwork. The importance of knowing that everyone that is a part of the team, whether they score 30 points or 1 point it is just as important. That they are sisters that are fighting a battle together and they never need to lose sight of that.

I touched on  hard work- going hard everyday, not just when people are watching you; all the time. That practices are hard and they are suppose to be hard, but the games are fun thats when you can showcase all that hard work that you have been putting in.

I touched on leadership- being that one that is going to stand up and stand out and not just sit back and allow your teammates to slack and not work hard. Knowing each other and their personality and know how to talk to each other at all times even in the heated moments.

There was so much that I got to say to them but the thing that I liked the most was that they asked questions. It started off with questions about my shoes LOL, Typical athletes, some would say! But if you know me you know that I do have a lot of them so that was an easy one. Then the questions went into conditioning, training, extra work, etc things that Coach Brown had already spoke with them about as well as put them through most of the things that we do, or did while at LSU so that went well.

They also asked the difference between the WNBA and College. And i told them that the game in the WNBA is a little more faster, physical, and a lot of travel. That is your job now, there is no one there telling you what to do and staying on you to do your job. That its not as family oreinted as the college level, but it is still family. In college you have to do almost everything together, dress the same, etc. In the W its ok if you dont go to certain things so to say, but the sisterhood and the bond is still there. 

Overall the visit went well. I cant wait to see them actually play. They all seemed like some fighters and I believe Coach Brown when she expressed to me how hard they work.

Until next time...


Meek

End of the Week

As you all know I have been a little busy last week, and I have filled you in on most of it. But I want to share the rest. On Thursday I went to the Grand Opening of the New LSU facility for both Men and Women's Basketball. I want to let you know that the place is unbelievable. Both teams now have their own practice facility which allows them to practice at the times that they feel is best. There is no sharing with other indoor sports and there is no need for trying to figure out what times works best for which sport - it is something really special! There are so many people that shed their sweat, blood and tears in the PMAC as well as in the Lady Tiger uniform and I am so happy that the women are starting to gain respect. It was a real honor to be there for such a great event. I know the current Lady Tigers will utilize that facility to the best of their ability! 

On Friday, I attended Washington Montessori School again lol, but this time it was to read Meek Moments: Decisions Decisions Decisions to the entire school. The students were so respectable, and they were very tuned in. After reading to them I asked them some questions about the book, my grandmother, and of course LSU and I gave away some HOPE wrist band and 2 of my LSU bobble head dolls to the kids that got the answers correct. It was a very pleasant moment for me. I really enjoyed the kids and I cannot wait to get back for my next event. I think the new principal there Mrs. Soniat, Secretary Mrs. Leslie, and all the teachers and staff at that school really care about those student and I am super happy to be able to bring some happiness and a little excitement to those kids. This week will be another full week for me and like I mentioned before I promise to keep you all updated. 

Until then........


Meek

Busy Days

Great Baton Rouge Support Team!

Hey there! 


I told you all that I was going to start blogging more often. Here is what occurred yesterday.. 


My uncle came over to my house this morning to fix a couple of things for me. He did a little painting, and hung up some pictures and things which is something that I needed done for awhile LOL. It's so good to be home to get that accomplished! From there I went to have lunch with Stan Douglas and his daughter, as well as with Coach Starkey. I appreciate both of these men, for I know that they are in my corner 100%. We had a great meal at Cope Lands Restaurant and some great conversations. 


I always enjoy spending time with the people that I dont always get to spend time with, but know that they are always there for me. This was a great day, and I topped it off with a workout session, even though I am struggling with a little cold, but hey I have to get it in. This is what happens when you are around 1st graders all the time LOL I love it!


Until next time,


Meek

A Busy Off-Season

My Mother Giving Away My Shoes To Students That Need Them

Hello everyone, I know I know I know it has been a while since I have updated you so let me start off by saying I truly apologize for that. But, get comfortable in your seats or wherever you are reading this because I have a lot to catch you all up on!

I know you all know that our season didn't end the way that we would have hoped, but believe me we did learn a lot about ourselves and we all will be working extra hard to come back and bounce back! Trust me on that one!

The day after we lost was my birthday and even though I was still upset, I was fortunate enough to share that day with some special ladies (Phoenix Mercury). I know that we were all feeling a certain way about the game but we still managed to come together and have a little fun. I love them ladies! And appreciate each and every one of them more than I can truly express.

After that I made my way back home, and it was such a bitter sweet time when I first got there but hey that's life. My mentor's (father figure/training coach), wife had passed away and I attended the funeral. I was sad while there but I was also happy, because I know Mrs. Williams is no longer suffering and that she is now resting in a peaceful place. Coach Williams is a strong man, and has been there for his two kids like none other. I'm so happy that we are in each others life. I learn so much from him, even when he is not trying to teach me. Love ya Coach.

Next on my plate was going back to the 1st grade. My little niece was not doing everything that she needed to be doing in school, and she was starting to somehow think that she can disturb the class and not listen to her teacher. So I went to her school and sat with her in her classroom. I refuse to allow her to settle for less and I want her to know that she can do better and be better! Sometimes kids just want to know that someone cares, and I'm here to let her know as well as show her that I do! I am proud to say that she is doing much better but is still a work in progress. But now her teacher sends good notes home for her instead of bad ones and my little niece is starting to have all of the confidence that she needs to continue to do well in school. I want to tell all the parents that are truly dedicated to their kids and their school work. I really tip my hat off to you because it is a lot of hard work. I can also tell you that my respect level for teachers have gone up even more, as well. I have watched firsthand teachers taking out the time with some kids that just don't seem to get it, or not getting much help from home, etc. But these teachers really want to try and help these kids. That in itself is extremely difficult because of the number of students in each class, plus it is difficult to stop and help 11 or 12 students when the others are getting it and catching on to the material. If there is no assistant to assist, then the larger the class, the more the students fall back. It's sad but very understandable. (Parents, teachers are doing so much to help out our children, why don't we show the same concern?) I am a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child and even though we have gotten away from that motto, the teachers are still holding up their end of it. And as a product of that myself I truly am thankful to those teachers that are still doing that. Ok I may have gotten off the subject a little, but I needed to share that with you all. THE KIDS OF TODAY ARE THE KIDS OF TOMORROW! They are our future! Let's do better by them as a whole everyone!

Ok ok ok I'm off of that, I will tell you about my birthday gathering that I had this past weekend. Yes it is a little late but I had asked that it get pushed back and so glad that I did. My Grandmother's only living Sister was there and I was so happy to see her. I got to see a lot of my family that I hadn't seen in years, as well as some that I had not even met yet. It was such a beautiful day. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a great time. I spent most of the day catching up with everyone, and of course playing with all the kids. I played football, jumped in the space walk, played basketball, and did a little racing. Yes, all of that, and best believe I was extremely tired when I got home! LOL. But the kids were super excited so you all know that made me happy.

From there I went on to do some cleaning and my mom came to my house with me. I went through so much stuff that was just sitting in my closet that I had never even worn. The tags and everything were still on them. As my mom stood there shaking her head at me I just kept handing her the things that I didn't want. After I went through all the clothes, I then went through my shoes. I was able to give her at least 35 pairs of shoes that I had sitting in my closet that I was not going to wear. I was so happy to have her and my sisters there because I would have panicked without their help. I'm not sure if many of you know, but my mom drives the school bus (yes its a family thing we all have a passion for kids) and she was happy to be able to bring some of the kids that she knew needed things, some things that they can really use. So that made me very happy knowing that it will help someone out that definitely needs it.

Don't worry I'm coming to an end. I want to finish up by letting you know that I will be doing some readings of my book Decisions Decisions Decisions (Meek Moments) to Washington Elementary (my Grandmother's school), and Magnolia Woods Elementary - my adopted elementary school. I am looking forward to this event! I will also be meeting with some other people about my book, as well as trying to promote it some more. I am going to try to hit up every book store that I come across and see if they are willing to carry it in stores. Right now you can order it off of BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com, and Amazon.com, which is a great accomplishment in itself. You can also get it off of Meekshope.org - my website. I am working hard everyone, and I know with you all's help I can really do well with this book.

I want to thank Coach Starkey who has been in my corner since day one. He always manages to come through for me with whatever it is that I need him to. I have some things in the works while I am at home. I will fill you all in as it comes together.

Ok I'm done for now, I appreciate you taking the time to read this lengthy blog, but I felt like you all deserved to know. Also I will do a better job of keeping you all updated. I will try to blog at least once a week, or as soon as I do something. You all help me be who I am and I truly appreciate you.

Until next time,

Meek