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
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 |
