Born to Soar

Clarence Gaines, Jr. Son of the late legendary Hall of Fame Coach  “ Bighouse” Gaines. He shares his story as part of The Chicago Bulls 6 NBA titles during the 1990’s. You don’t want to miss his story of Blazing Trials in Business, Sports and Life!

Sylvia Hatchell,  Former UNC-CH, Head Womens Basketball Coach, and Naismith Hall of Famer shares her journey becoming one of the GOAT Womens Basketball Coaches in History! Hear her story on Blazing Dee Trails where Trailblazers are remembered! 

Growing up the son of the legendary Coach Clarence “Bighouse” Gaines , Clarence, Jr shares some of the stories about being the son of a “Bighouse”   Coach Gaines is in numerous Hall of Fames and had 877 career wins in Basketball making him the fifth all  time winningest Basketball Coach in NCAA  History!   Join BlazingDee Trials host, Dee Todd. (WSSU alum)as she talks to Clarence Jr about life growing up the son of a true trailblazer!

Elliott Avent   Head Coach, NC State Wolfpack Baseball.  In his 25th season coaching the Wolfpack, Avent has compiled  the most wins of any Baseball Coach in NC State History! Hear his story from a farm boy from Aventon,  North Carolina, to one of the best players coaches in the country .  Avent has a History of Achievement!

CIAA Commissioner Jacqueline McWilliams Parker, was the first female and first Afro-American woman appointed Commissioner in NCAA history. She is an advocate, negotiator, servant leader that's blazing trails for the voiceless. Hear her story about preparation meeting opportunity on Blazing Dee Trails!

Jenny Boucek has blazed many trails in her life. From a basketball player at the University of Virginia, to obtaining a head coaching position in the WNBA to becoming the third female to be named an assistant coach in the NBA, Jenny has always found a way to make it work. At one point she was ready to give up her dream job, in the NBA, for motherhood. Now she's blazing both trails, as she has a beautiful 3 year old and has been named the Assistant Coach for the Indiana Pacers. Hear Jenny's trailblazing story of Always Landing on Her Feet on Blazing Dee Trails!

Duane Ross, Director of Track and Field at North Carolina A&T State University, knows what it takes to win. From his preparation to win a NCAA Championship in the 110 meter hurdles at Clemson, to preparing his athletes to win 4 NCAA Championships in 2021, Coach Ross knows what it takes to win on and off the track. Coach Ross wants a Team National Championship for NCAT. No doubt he will get it! Hear his success story as he gets ready for Tokyo, with four of his athletes representing 3 different countries!

One of the most revered athletes in NC State history! Dereck was coached by two of the All-Time greats, Morgan Wooten and Jim Valvano. They taught him, not only basketball, but Lasting Life's lessons! Hear his story as a true TRAILBLAZER! From his playing days of "The Pass-Shot", to his work on the board of The V Foundation and the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, he ALWAYS finds a way to give back!

Anucha Browne, true Trailblazer, is a Former 2X Big 10 WBB, Player of the Year, A former Executive with  the New York Knicks of the NBA, Former Vice President of Women Basketball, NCAA, and more!  A true leader on and off the court, Anucha Browne has never been afraid to speak her truth!  Hear her story of Blazing Trails! 

Monique Johnson is an Artist, Motivational Speaker and Attorney. She stands only 2ft (24’) tall! Hear her amazing story of what many see as obstacles, she turned into stepping stones! This “Giant” little person will make you smile, laugh and feel that you can do anything YOU want to do or be, Monique, Your Favorite Little Artist, was “Born to Soar”