I never thought my journey was special. I never thought my journey was interesting. I was too busy working as hard as I could to improve, first at tennis, and then at basketball. I felt like I was drowning at times and getting ahead of myself at others.

I knew all along, however, that my journey brought me into contact with some amazing people. These people taught me many lessons, on and off the basketball court, that helped shape the person I am today. They moulded my philosophy around finding our own personal best and broadened the lens I now see the world through.

These are the people whose lessons I felt a responsibility to share when I began coaching. After all, not everyone had been lucky enough to spend the time around them as I had.

These are their stories.