👋🏾 What’s goin on! After no episode last week, 2 episodes are here this week and they are incredibly special to me. Here in episode 14, I sit down with the great Terrell Ivory, current Phillips Academy admissions officer, basketball coach, and a mentor/friend of my own. Our relationship has evolved over the years, beginning in the fall of 2013. During our conversation, TI gave me a rundown of his past, and the tremendous opportunities that he gained through coaching. He speaks highly of each individual that helped him out and offered up their knowledge, the majority of whom he is still in close contact with today. A phenomenal athlete growing up, TI completed a postgraduate year at Phillips Academy in 1999-2000. He was not only incredible on the basketball court, but on the gridiron . Ivory recalls how his father’s passing factored into his decision to attend Davidson, where he had a successful 4 year career. A captain in his senior season, much of Ivory’s success was off of the court. He did not play as much as he had wanted, but worked hard to make the most of his minutes and prepare the starters. After 1 year playing professionally in England, Ivory began his coaching career. Coaching itself is incredibly rewarding work, and Ivory and I speak about the difficulties associated with coaching to suit the needs of an entire team. It’s always about team for Ivory, who is full of sayings like ‘next play’, which focuses on self- improvement , accountability and living in the present. Ivory is currently training for a marathon, a testament to his own work ethic and discipline after a horrific car accident. Looking back on the accident just over a year later, TI was able to preserve much of himself through the help of his friends and family. They came day in and day out, offering food and kind words. As Ivory said, it takes a village. The road to recovery has not been easy by any means for Ivory, but he’s always up for a challenge. It means the most to me that TI reached out, and even more to see him in high spirits post accident. Everyone protect your peace during these last few months of 2020, wear a mask, and stay safe! Recorded 10.28.20
