Akron Nonprofit Revives Girls’ Basketball with Life Skills and Mentorship
AKRON, Ohio — Over the past two decades, girls’ high school basketball participation has plummeted by 21%, according to the National Federation of High School Associations. In the face of this decline, one Akron-based nonprofit is stepping up to keep the sport alive while empowering young girls both on and off the court.
Ladies First Akron, now in its 16th year, serves girls in grades 3 through 8 across the greater Akron area. The organization goes beyond basketball drills, emphasizing mentorship, life skills, and emotional growth. For Jada Haines, a former participant turned coach, the program has been a lifeline.
“I grew up in a tough neighborhood on Akron’s west side, and basketball was my safe space,” Haines recalls. “I was always the girl dribbling a ball up the street. Without basketball, I don’t know where I’d be.”
Haines honed her skills at Ladies First Akron before excelling at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and later playing collegiate basketball at the University of Northwestern Ohio and the University of Indianapolis. Now, she’s returned to her roots as a coach, driven by a desire to give back to the community that shaped her.
“Ladies First was like family from day one,” Haines says. “It helped me find myself, build confidence, and learn life skills from the older women around me. I always knew I’d come back and give back.”
Her impact is palpable. Players like Daveigha Sherman describe Haines as more than just a coach. “She taught me to be confident and keep shooting,” Sherman says. “Everyone here feels like sisters. It’s a safe place where we grow together.”
Ladies First Akron’s mission extends far beyond basketball. The organization prioritizes preparing girls for life after the game.
“There aren’t many programs for girls that combine sports with life skills,” Haines explains. “This program provides emotional stability, mental health support, and mentorship. It’s about giving our girls another outlet and guiding them through life.”
Recently, Haines spearheaded the nonprofit’s inaugural “Life After Sports Summit,” offering insights into careers and opportunities beyond athletics. During the summer, Ladies First Akron collaborates with local universities to offer project-based learning experiences, further enriching the girls’ development.
For Haines, coaching has become a calling. “It fills my heart and fulfills my purpose,” she says. “I always knew I’d coach someday, but this is more than I could’ve imagined.”
As participation in girls’ basketball wanes nationwide, Ladies First Akron stands as a beacon of hope, nurturing the next generation of athletes—and leaders.
— Reported by Nexio News
