Today we’d like to introduce you to Talisa Green.
Talisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As an NCAA women’s basketball official of 15 years, I currently work for the ACC, Big 10, Big East and other Division I conferences. In pursuit of my dream to officiate the Final Four and someday the Championship game, I was fortunate enough to work the Sweet 16 this past season getting me a step closer. On this path, I have had the honor and privilege to view the game of basketball from a perspective very few get. As an official from the “best seat” in the house, I have the opportunity to watch players display their talents. Over the years, I’ve noticed a shift in the importance of teaching skills and fundamentals of the game to individual athleticism. I wasn’t a trainer but I knew I wanted to help keep the authenticity of the game I love and the development of athletes.
After realizing there was an immense amount of basketball/skills trainers in Georgia, along with the lack of basketball training facilities, I saw a need and wanted to fill the void. I saved my own capital and in August of 2016, I opened a very humble Certified Hoops Training Center in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Atlanta. A 24/7 accessible (with appointment) sports training facility. Also, becoming the only black female owner of a basketball/sports training facility in Atlanta, Ga.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been the smoothest, but I really don’t have any complaints about it. The struggles were necessary. Mainly funding and exposure have been my main obstacles for the growth of Certified Hoops. Remaining patient and steadfast did become a challenge during a time in my officiating career.
Please tell us about Certified Hoops Training Center.
At Certified Hoops, we are grateful to be able to offer a different choice, through sports. In addition to being able to provide high-quality sports and personal fitness training to any athlete at any level and any sport, we are committed to eliciting transformations from athletes and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Valuing hard work and higher expectations above all else, we encourage our athletes to set goals, on and off the court or field but most importantly in the classroom. We also offer an after-school program and a daily summer camp (Hoops Crew) that embodies these values to instill in the younger minds of this generation. However, I was disheartened by the amount of underprivileged and at-risk youth that surround the facility that just couldn’t afford the opportunities we want to provide.
Certified Sports Inc. (501c3) was born, my nonprofit organization that gives us access to the necessary resources to help at-risk and less fortunate youth within the community. Valuing hard work and higher expectations above all else, we encourage our athletes to set goals, on and off the court or field but most importantly in the classroom. We also offer an after-school program and a daily summer camp (Hoops Crew) that embodies these values to instill in the younger minds of this generation.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is being able to basically grow up in Disney World. Having access to the most magical place on Earth definitely shaped who I am today. My optimism and willingness to dream and believe in the impossible created an approach to life that carries with me daily.
Pricing:
- Group Training $30 per session
- Individual Training $45 per session
- 12 Session Special $300
Contact Info:
- Address: 1240 Metropolitan Parkway Atlanta, GA 30310
- Website: CertifiedHoops.com
- Phone: 844-244-8650
- Email: info@certifiedhoops.com
- Instagram: @certifiedhoops_training
- Facebook: @certifiedhoops
- Twitter: @certifiedhoops_training
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