Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bree Bellamy . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bree, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
So for me in this basketball skills training industry I’m typically the only female trainer on the room and I think I’m going to have success with it because I don’t mind . In fact, I embrace it . Being the only female in the room is a bonus . It means that somebody respected you enough to say , “hey! we want her”. So what I do is I show up and I do my job. I know that it’s all eyes on me so whatever you need I got it . See I don’t care about wiping floors because it’s about keeping the players safe. The small details matter when you’re working high level athletes . Working hard and paying attention to details is just me being me and those are my most effective skills or traits. That’s how I was as a player , “whatever we needed ill do it . We need to score , we need a rebound , we need energy”? That was just me as a player and nothing has changed now but the position .
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
To introduce myself in the basketball world I go by Coach B or Coach Bree . My story is long but I’ll try to make it short . I was an all around athlete growing up and til this day am . You show me how to play once it’s over with and I’m super competitive . I even like to play chess to help me with my coaching because you always have to think ahead Anywho , I chose basketball and I have been in the game ever since . In my senior year of college I transferred to HBCU Talladega from D2 in Utah and was killing . It was so easy for me then I tore my ACL about 3 games it . I came back to California to figure out it out ended up playing a little more before I picked up a coaching job in which I had no intentions on coaching. Coaching was and instant success for me. I turned first year high school kids into hoopers. So, When I was coaching I used to train myself and a coach wanted me to train a kid they were recruiting . So from that kid came the whole team . I was training for crumbs then but every kid was growing as a player . Eventually I quit my high labor job at UPS to coach at my Alma Mater and bet on myself by dedicating myself to my now training company . Everything I didn’t get in a coach is how I coach , how I play is how I coach , and now how I train , I’ve adopted my own techniques because of my attention to detail and am having so much success because of it. It’s almost like I can see and feel the success that is To come . The opportunities that I have been given by people that see my potential is a blessing . Winning the schools first championship in history at my Alma Mater Etiwanda and Working with Olin Simplis who is a mentor to me and blessing me with the opportunity of working at this years pre draft training as well as working with his clients at all levels from NBA to the women’s game . It gives me new perspectives as not only a trainer but a coach . I am looking forward to continuing my career as a coach and a trainer and I hope to expand to much higher levels as both but also with so much other avenues in store for me on the media and the business side as well . I want to remain versatile , I want all to look out for the new podcast I am hosting . I want to bridge the game between players and coaches , trainers and coaches , and last but not least between parents and both . It’s important for success if the game and I am here to build , expand , and inspire the game of basketball .
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think the biggest thing for me is being true to myself and staying authentic . I’ve always been that way , I don’t want you to acknowledge me because I’m kissing your butt but I want you to acknowledge me for the work that I do . My biggest advice is to 1. ALWAYS BE YOURSELF because when you’re yourself you won’t lose yourself on the journey 2. ALWAYS WORK HARD. Just like I tell the kids that I train . If you’re going to do something go hard at it or what are you don’t it for ? Don’t waste my time but most importantly don’t waste your own time . And 3 . MASTER YOUR CRAFT I think in this game you have To find something that you’re good at master that . It’s way too many trainers out here trying to do what everybody else is doing and it looks crazy because essentially it like you don’t have a clue and you’re getting paid to know and to produce . The only advice I have for both coaches and trainers is to be intentional with the students of the game , they are here to learn from you so you must set the tone , you must build culture , a family environment with both conflict resolution and freedom of individuality .
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
This may be the best question because I am such a seeking of knowledge and higher learning and this answer may not be traditional . I love to learn about self and self empowerment and I’ve found that in only in a few types of books. Books on meditation and freeing the mind are great books to create focus on the journey , books in natural healing and holistics instead of western medicine with many side effects are great books for athletes to maintain high energy and prevent injuries degenerative issues, and last but not least the holy Quran. That to me is the greatest book on self knowledge and empowerment and includes a spiritual journey and holistic healing and teachings .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Nspiredculturebasketball
- Youtube: Inspired culture
Image Credits
@creativenlb Nikki Boutte
