LADY MEANSTREETS

LADY MEANSTREETS

OUR HISTORY

  • Started program 2011
  • Although initiated June 23, 1972 , to date, there is still a huge disparity as it pertains to the intentions of Title IX
  • In 2011, Meanstreets Sports, already engaged in cheerleading, decided to embrace girls basketball. Director Tai Streets, growing up with a strong female support system, desired to make a difference in the lives of young ladies. Always close to his heart were young ladies, as well as young men, who descended from challenged households. To this point, Tai connected with revered coaching colleagues from Thornton High School, Eric Armstrong and Ronale Johnson to spearhead the girls division.
  • Coach Ronale Johnson and Coach Eric Armstrong both had a plethora of years involved in community engagement with youth sports as well high school coaching experience with the prestigious boys basketball program at Thornton High School. Armstrong immediately recruited ex-Euro player and Youth Advocate Program Director Terrance Slater, renowned Beasley School Girls Coach and Youth Social Worker Edward ‘Dino’ Ivory, and Power House Brooks (Harvey) Jr. High State Champion Coach Keithan Holmes. The program exploded on the scene winning a 17u Nike tournament of Champions title. In the subsequent years to date, the Meanstreets girls have won several tournament championships at multiple levels including two more Nike Tournament of Champions Divisional Championships. More importantly, the girls have consistently participated in community outreach programs led by female youth mentor, ex-head girls varsity coach and school administrator Christina Cobbins, and amongst them, 87 have received college scholarships, many have graduated, and several have played professionally.

CORE PRINCIPLES

The Foundation Of The Girls Division Was To Be Predicated Upon The Following Criteria: 

  • Academic Engagement (tutoring/credit recovery)
  • Skill Development
  • Social and Character Enhancement (mental preparation for college)
  • Community Engagement / Outreach
  • Etiquette / Self-Presentation (language, appearance, conduct)
  • Mental Health Awareness 
  • Financial Literacy 

We believe if we emphasize these principles, not only will we create a winning culture on the court, but more importantly a winning culture in life. 

ENGAGEMENT STATEMENT

We strive to improve games on the court, and change lives off the court. For young ladies to be better in life, not just in basketball.


* Service To Others, Gives Life Purpose And Meaning!

COACHING & ADMINISTRATION

ERIC ARMSTRONG

(Coach / Director)

Concordia University (Basketball)
Western Illinois University (Criminal Justice)
28 yrs Coaching Experience
Asst. Coach: Thornton Varsity Boys and Meanstreets Basketball
Police Sergeant (Emphasis Juvenile Justice/Procedures)
coachearmstrong@gmail.com

RONALE JOHNSON

(Coach / Co-Director)

South Suburban College / Ashley University (Business Adminstration / Sports Management)
28 yrs Coaching Experience
Head Coach Girls Gary Comer Varsity Girls, Hyde Park Varsity Girls, Morgan Park Varsity Girls, Thornton Asst. Boys Varsity, Meanstreets Basketball
ronalejohnson@yahoo.com

EDWARD 'DINO' IVORY

(Coach / Co-Director)

Western Illinois University (Sociology, Football)
30 yrs Coaching Experience
Asst. Girls Varsity Morgan Park, Head Beasley Academy, Head Crete-Monee H.S., Meanstreets Basketball
Social Services
Salon Owner / Stylist, Educational Consultant
dinoivory@gmail.com

MARSHA HOWARD

(Coach)

University of Wisconsin-Madison (Basketball, Sociology)
Euro-Pro (BBC Telstar Hesperange – Luxembuourg)
Asst. Coach Morgan Park Varsity Girls, Meanstreets Basketball
Nike Store Sales (Chicago South)

BRANDON BELL

(Coach)

DePaul University (Organizational Communication)
5 yrs Coaching Experience
Manager DePaul Womens Basketball, Asst. Coach Kennedy King College, Meanstreets Basketball, USAB

SHAQUANDA WIGGINS

(Coach)

Jefferson Juco
Kentucky State University (Basketball / Sports Training)
Euro-Pro 1182 Tallinn, Instabul Sport Club, Hoops Sport Club, IPWBL Chicago Breeze, Meanstreets Basketball, Asst. Coach Chicago Hope Academy

KIESHA STEVENS

(Coach)

Florida Memorial University (Basketball / Finance, MBA)
Nova Southeastern University (MEd – Leadership)
Semi Pro – Dade County Bulls
8 yrs Coaching Experience (Florida Memorial University WBB)
Carter Elementary (Teacher)
Delta Sigma Theta

CAELYNN MANNING-ALLEN

(Coach)

University of Kansas (Basketball / Communications – Sociology)
Head Coach Chicago Curie H.S. WBB, TA Curie H.S., Meanstreets Basketball

JAY SHARI CHEERS

(Coach)

Roosevelt University (Basketball / Biology)
Asst. Coach Morgan Park, Meanstreets Basketball

DEREK SMITH

(Coach)

Western Illinois University / Chicago State University (African-American Studies)
Governors State University (MEd – Special Education)
5 yrs Meanstreets Basketball
DCFS Mentor (Wards)

ANTOINE MERRICK

(Coach)

Florida A & M University (Business Administration / Football)
7 yrs Coaching Experience
Asst. Varsity Marian Catholic H.S. WBB, Meanstreets Basketball
Trainer, Truck Owner / Operator

KENYON COLE

(Coach)

United States Marine Corps Veteran (M.S. Electrical Engineering)
All Marine Basketball (1998-2002)
2 yrs Coaching Lady Meanstreets
Entrepreneur & Railroad Engineer

LOREN ARMSTRONG

(Academic Tutoring)

Iowa State University (BS – Computer Engineering)
University of Illinois Chicago (MEngr – Bioengineering w/ specialization in Bioinformatics)
16 yrs Tutoring Experience (Science / Mathematics)
Analyzed medical research data at Northwestern University for 7 yrs
Licensed Esthetician (Medical Esthetician at CaTara Medical Spa for 4 yrs and Holistic Esthetician at Elina Organics Advanced Skin Care Clinic for 2 yrs)
Owner of Lo Naturals (focused on formulation of natural and organic skin care products using environmentally sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients)
Delta Sigma Theta

SHAJAUNNA JORDAN

(Community Engagement / Recruiting Consultant)

Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ (Basketball)
Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown, IA (Basketball)
Columbia College Chicago (BA Sports Marketing)
Indiana State University (Graduate Asst. / MS Physical Education / Coaching Degree)
Southern New Hampshire University (MS Sports Management w/ Certificate in Athletic Administration)
Owner of WOMENS Basketball IPWBLeague.com
Coached H.S. girls basketball for 15 yrs and Kennedy King College for 7 yrs
Owner of Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC. (the 1st female focused sports agency registered in the state of Illinois)

ASHLEY STEVENSON

(Behavioral Health)

Moberly College (Basketball)
Florida Atlantic (Basketball / Psychology / MA in Clinical Psychology w/ specialization in Child Studies)
Antioch University Los Angeles
Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

CHRISTINA COBBINS

(Fundraising / Community Service)

Jackson State University Jackson, MS (Women’s Basketball / BS Healthcare Administration)
Governors State University (MS Health Administration w/ concentration in Human Resources)
Jackson State University Graduate Asst. 2 yrs
Crete Monee Head Coach 4 yrs and Lady Meanstreets 10 yrs
Human Resources Professiona
Delta Sigma Theta

DR. THERESA DIXON

(ACT/SAT/College Prep / Academic Counseling / Grant Procurement / Treasurer)

Eastern Illinois University (Basketball / Finance Management)
National-Louis University
Nova Southeastern University
Author, CEO, Educator, Presenter, Philanthropist
Co-Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of the Gloria J. Taylor Foundation whose mission is: “Preparing our Future for the Future”. The philosophy behind this foundation is “We believe in the preservation of dignity and self-worth of every individual. Through our collective efforts, we intend to promote the development of a productive and positive self-image by assisting each individual to achieve his or her highest level or productivity. Our ultimate goal is the preservation of life, family and community unity within our neighborhoods.”
Since the conception of the Gloria J. Taylor Foundation, Dr. Dixon has sent over 1,200 students to the college of their choice (from California to South Carolina) and found over $400,000.00 in aid and scholarships for students. She has assisted 83 student-athletes with the NCCA clearinghouse process to ensure their eligibility certificate for athletic scholarships and helped 43 students to receive FULL-RIDE academic scholarships.
Dr. Dixon serves as Board President at Alternative Academic Achievement Academy, a non-for-profit private therapeutic day school which serves the needs of students ages 5 through 15 with emotional, behavioral, learning disabilities, and other health impairments as well as those considered to be at-risk.

CAREER LEADERSHIP & MENTORING

DR. SANDRA AMRSTRONG

(Nursing Healthcare)

  • St. Xavier (BS – Nursing)
  • Governors State University (MS Nursing, DNP w/ specialty in Leadership)
  • University of Chicago (MacLean Clinical Medical Ethics Fellow)
  • Retired Registered Nurse / Nursing Manager (University of Chicago Medical Center)
  • 40 yrs Nursing Experience
  • 21 yrs Mentoring Experience

LOREN ARMSTRONG

(Engineering / Research)

  • Iowa State University (BS – Computer Engineering)
  • University of Illinois Chicago (MEngr – Bioengineering w/ specialization in Bioinformatics)
  • 16 yrs Tutoring Experience (Science / Mathematics)
  • Analyzed medical research data at Northwestern University for 7 yrs
  • Licensed Esthetician (Medical Esthetician at CaTara Medical Spa for 4 yrs and Holistic Esthetician at Elina Organics Advanced Skin Care Clinic for 2 yrs)
  • Owner of Lo Naturals (focused on formulation of natural and organic skin care products using environmentally sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients)
  • Delta Sigma Theta

SHAJAUNNA JORDAN

(Behavioral Health)

  • Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ (Basketball)
  • Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown, IA (Basketball)
  • Columbia College Chicago (BA Sports Marketing)
  • Indiana State University (Graduate Asst. / MS Physical Education / Coaching Degree)
  • Southern New Hampshire University (MS Sports Management w/ Certificate in Athletic Administration)
  • Owner of WOMENS Basketball IPWBLeague.com
  • Coached H.S. girls basketball for 15 yrs and Kennedy King College for 7 yrs
  • Owner of Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC. (the 1st female focused sports agency registered in the state of Illinois)

ASHLEY STEVENSON

(Behavioral Health)

  • Moberly College (Basketball)
  • Florida Atlantic (Basketball / Psychology / MA in Clinical Psychology w/ specialization in Child Studies)
  • Antioch University Los Angeles
  • Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

AJA ELLIS

 (Career Leader)

  • University of Illinois (BA Communication Science)
  • Police Officer (Juvenile Officer / Officer Trainer)

TISHUANA FRANKS

(Career Leader)

  • Quincy University (Business Management)
  • United Airlines (Flight Attendant)

LATOYA HUGHES

 (Career Leader)

  • University of Illinois (Law)
  • Attorney

ASHLEY HENRY

 (Career Leader)

  • Florida Memorial University (BSW / Basketball)
  • Kentucky State University (Asst. WBB)
  • Ex-Meanstreets Basketball Coach  / Consultant
  • Delta Sigma Theta

CHRISTINA COBBINS

(Career Leader / Mentor)

  • Jackson State University Jackson, MS (Women’s Basketball / BS Healthcare Administration)
  • Governors State University (MS Health Administration w/ concentration in Human Resources)
  • Jackson State University Graduate Asst. 2 yrs
  • Crete Monee Head Coach 4 yrs and Lady Meanstreets 10 yrs
  • Human Resources Professional
  • Delta Sigma Theta

TRAYCEE EDMONDSON

(Career Leader / Mentor)

  • Lead RailRoad Engineer
  • Small Business Owner
  • Community Service Volunteer

SHAREE BARNES

(Career Leader / Mentor)

  • Retired Lt. Fire Fighter
  • Community Service Volunteer
  • Youth Sports Volunteer

JOI BRADSHAW-TERRELL

MD (Career Leader / Mentor)

  • University of Illinois (Medical School & Residency)
  • Obstetrics / Gynecology
  • Practicing for 21 yrs

DR. THERESA DIXON

(Philanthropist)

  • Eastern Illinois University (Basketball / Finance Management)
  • National-Louis University
  • Nova Southeastern University
  • Author, CEO, Educator, Presenter, Philanthropist
  • Co-Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of the Gloria J. Taylor Foundation whose mission is: “Preparing our Future for the Future”. The philosophy behind this foundation is “We believe in the preservation of dignity and self-worth of every individual. Through our collective efforts, we intend to promote the development of a productive and positive self-image by assisting each individual to achieve his or her highest level or productivity. Our ultimate goal is the preservation of life, family and community unity within our neighborhoods.”
  • Since the conception of the Gloria J. Taylor Foundation, Dr. Dixon has sent over 1,200 students to the college of their choice (from California to South Carolina) and found over $400,000.00 in aid and scholarships for students. She has assisted 83 student-athletes with the NCCA clearinghouse process to ensure their eligibility certificate for athletic scholarships and helped 43 students to receive FULL-RIDE academic scholarships.
  • Dr. Dixon serves as Board President at Alternative Academic Achievement Academy, a non-for-profit private therapeutic day school which serves the needs of students ages 5 through 15 with emotional, behavioral, learning disabilities, and other health impairments as well as those considered to be at-risk.

LADY MEANSTREETS BASKETBALL

WHERE HAVE THEY GONE?

Name College affiliate
Anthony, Briana Millikan College
Armstrong, Shaquala South Suburban College
Awoniyi, Miriam Georgia State University
Bailey, Danielle Florida Memorial University
Bailey, Eboni John Wood College
Baines, Fantasia Illinois State University
Banks, Jada Marquette
Bates, Ashley Kaskaskia College
Brandon, Jasmyn Monroe College
Brown, Jahnesia Kirkwood College
Burt, Diamond Lindenwood University
Caudell, Khloee Florida Memorial University
Cooper, Myeisha Illinois/Oakland
Cornelius, Kyla Evangel University
Cox, Lindzy Roosevelt University
Debose, Alexia Alabama A & M University
Dennis, Ashley Central State University
Ealy, Casey Kansas Wesleyan
Elliotte, Makeba University of Illinois Springfield
Ellis, Mikalah KSU/Concordia Chicago
Evans, Dasia Wright State University/University of Indianapolis
Garry, Arrianna Indiana Tech/Angelina College
Gettis, Dana Robert Morris University/LeMoyne-Owen College
Graham, Amarah University Texas RGV
Green, Nadia University of Missouri
Griffin, Amari University of Illinois Chicago
Hale, Shamarre Wright State University
Hall, Cuyla Kentucky State University
Hampton, Ceniyah Purdue Northwest
Name College affiliate
Harris, Karlisa Kaskaskia College
Harvey, Diamond Kellogg College
Heady, Shannise Eastern Michigan University
Henry, Ariel McMurray College
Henry, Ashley Florida Memorial University
Herbert, Khaliah Kentucky State University
Holland, Taeko Lewis and Clark College
Howard, Marsha University of Wisconsin
Howard, Demara Jackson State University
Howard, Joymesia Kentucky State University (Professional Euro-League)
Huddleston, Ashley Kentucky State University
Humphrey, Sarah Butler University
Iamstrong, Joyce Florida Gulf Coast University (Professional Euro-League)
Irons, Taylor Kirkwood College
Jackson, Desiree University of Illinois Chicago
James, Dajanae Colby College
Johnson, Lamarria University Texas RGV/University of Hawaii
Joiner, Briana South Suburban College
Khammarath, Chanel Chicago State University
Lampley, Tyler University of Illinois Chicago
Little, Lorelle Ashford University
Manning-Allen, Caelynn Kansas University
McKinney, Lauren South Dakota State University
Moore, Jemerica East Mississippi Central
Morgan, Tia Tyler College
Murphy, Layne Chicago State University (Professional Euro-League)
Myles, Moriah University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Phillips, Arriyon Iowa Central/William Woods University
Porter, Tyana Talladega College
Name College affiliate
Presswood, Jealissa Miami Dade College/UIC
Robinson, Mya Illinois State University
Ruben, Eva Arizona State University/University of Illinois
Russell, Jasmine Kaskaskia College
Russell, Tammy Palm Beach State College
Sanders, Ashley Kaskaskia College
Sanders, Tierra South Suburban College
Sanders, Jasmine Chicago State University
Seay, Karli LSU
Shepard, Joshulyn Savannah State
Sipp, Jazjuan University of Illinois
Smith, Daijah Indiana State University/UIC
Smith, Ceirra Iowa Central/St. Xavier
Smith, Alyshea St. Xavier University
Sneed, Ariel University of Southern Mississippi/Xavier University
Sneed, Ashley Northern Illinois University
Stanford, Alex Kentucky State University
Stevenson, Ashley Florida Atlantic University
Tears, Sydney Huston Tillotson University
Towery, Jordan Texas Southern University/University of Indianapolis/GSU
Toye, Elizabeth Florida International University
Turner, Janay Daytona State
Warren, Jessica University of Illinois Springfield
Wheatley, Mesha Kirkwood College
Wiggins, Shaquanda Kentucky State University (Professional Euro-League)
Williams, Angenay USC Upstate
Wilson, Tayanna Limestone College
Wright, Jada Trinity Valley College/West Virginia University/Wright State
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