HNS Academy - Advisors, Coaches, Social Media, Marketing
Carla McGhee: Advisor, Marketing, Lead Coach
Olympic gold medals and NCAA championships are just part of the trail of success Carla McGhee has left in her time as a basketball player, administrator and coach. A member of Nell Fortner's original Auburn staff, McGhee is entering her fourth year on the Plains in the 2011-12 season.
After spending two years in the WNBA and two years as an assistant coach at South Carolina, the Peoria, Ill., native found her way back to Auburn and was introduced as an assistant coach on Aug. 17, 2010. During her first stint at Auburn, McGhee helped sign All-America recruits and eventual WNBA draft picks Whitney Boddie and DeWanna Bonner. She also worked with the Tigers' post players.
After two years in the league office, McGhee moved to Atlanta to take a position as a consultant and ambassador for WNBA expansion team Atlanta Dream. As the face of the franchise pending the team's first draft pick, she was charged with raising awareness about the team in the city and stimulating ticket sales, making speeches and appearances throughout the community.
From the Dream, she returned to the sideline and took a position as assistant coach at South Carolina. While with the Gamecocks, she oversaw the team's academic progress and worked with the post players. McGhee also helped recruit and mold Kelsey Bone, who was selected to the 2010 All-SEC Second Team as a freshman while earning AP SEC Newcomer of the Year honors.
In addition to her coaching and playing experience, McGhee has worked as a material supervisor for General Motors, a substitute teacher and a motivational speaker. She earned her bachelor's degree in sport management from Tennessee in 1990 and has a 13-year-old son, Chancellor.
Ramesh Barasia: Mentor
Ramesh will help lead the program to the next level with group meetings throughout the calendar year. Thanks for all the advice R.B.
Mary Jenna Nixon: Lead & Assistant Coach
Mary Jenna Nixon is a current resident of Alpharetta, GA. A real basketball devotee, she has participated in multiple basketball programs starting with the Hot Shots YBOA from 1998-1999, the East Cobb Renegades YBOA from 1999-2000, the Georgia Magic AAU from 2001-2004 and the Blessed trinity High School varsity Program from 2001-2005, where she was the first female to score 1000 points. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lindsey Wilson College school of Professional Counseling in Columbia, Kentucky on a basketball scholarship. In the course of her period at Lindsey Wilson College, her team, the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders, attended and won the Mid-South conference in 2007-2008, where Mary also received the Mid-South Conference Women’s Basketball Academic All Conference honors. Mary Jenna is a highly motivated individual with a zest for life and motivation to inspire and grow our youth. In addition to her basketball aficionado, Mary also involves herself with the youth by helping to transport children to athletic events as well as providing childcare for working parents.
Joseph Pennisi: Lead & Assistant Coach
Joseph has been a great asset for our program. A few years ago, we met through the Milton's WBL program. In a short time, Joseph learned what was expected of him and he excel. The kids love being trained by him and just can't get enough of his great personality.
Cedric Sumpter: Speed N Agility & Basketball Trainere
Cedric is one of the top trainers in the area. He comes with an extensive background of training so of the best athletes in the area. We are lucky to have him on our team. One of the things Cedric specializes in is speed and agility at our Hoops N Sand location. www.hnsacademy.com. Let us make your athlete faster and stronger.
Nehemiah Solomon: Youth basketball trainer & coach
Nehemiah does numerous things for our program. He has led our young basketball team to a solid season. With his knowledge of playing basketball, he will be a great asset to our programs.
Tony Curd: Lead & Assistant Coach, Social Media
Tony Curd is a native of Atlanta, GA. He has been engaged sports of all types from an early age. He attended Grady High school where he play football for 3 ½ years. During his time at Grady HS his primary position for football was offensive guard. Being a sports enthusiast, Tony also enjoyed and played Lacrosse for 4 years while pursuing his education at Grady High School. He aspires to play ball, and pursue a formal 4 year college education. Tony feels that every youth is a diamond in the rough, and that with the right pressure and direction can reach their full potential.