Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrie B. & Aaron C. Bennett & Clayborn.
Hi Sherrie B. & Aaron C. , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began with recognizing a need for more all-girls AAU teams on the north side of Houston. Our daughter, Hayden—who is now 11—had been playing in various youth leagues and consistently excelled. Just this past season, she averaged around 35 points per game, which made us realize it was time to find a higher level of competition for her.
However, we quickly found that there were limited options in our area. That’s when I decided to start my own AAU program—one where I could be hands-on with my daughter’s development, bring together a group of young athletes who could grow together over the years, and also sharpen my own coaching skills along the way.
Fueled by that purpose, I started doing my research, completed all the necessary paperwork, created a logo, and began promoting the program. Despite only four weeks of advertising, tryouts exceeded our expectations. Now, just three months into our first season, the program is off to a strong and positive start—and the momentum is only building.
Alright, 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?
So far, one of the main challenges has been building up our 12 & under girls team. Right now, we have seven players, which is a solid starting point, but most of them are new to the AAU world and still have a lot to learn. That said, they’re picking things up quickly and adjusting well. They’ve already shown a lot of potential, which is exciting to see.
Another challenge has been tailoring the season to match the skill level of each team. It’s important to me that our athletes are able to compete against teams that are equally matched—not just to avoid discouraging losses, but to ensure they’re developing in a healthy, competitive environment. Finding the right balance in scheduling games and tournaments has been key to keeping the experience positive and growth-focused.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The co-founder of the program is my father, a retired professional baseball player who spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies and is now a head baseball coach in Spring ISD. His leadership and athletic background have been instrumental in laying the foundation for the program’s structure and long-term vision.
One of the other key contributors to the success of our program is my children’s father. He plays an essential role in helping the program run smoothly and making sure our athletes receive the support they need. We both played Division I basketball at Texas Southern University—where we met—and we’ve carried that experience and love for the game into the work we do with our athletes.
Currently, I’m a physical education teacher and girls’ basketball coach in Conroe ISD, while my children’s father works as a machinist. Together, we bring a unique blend of experience and passion to the program—from both a coaching and operational perspective.
Our all-girls AAU basketball program is based in north Houston, and we focus on youth development—especially for girls who are either new to the game or looking to elevate their skills. We’re known for creating a supportive and competitive environment where young female athletes can thrive.
What sets us apart is the level of care, attention, and hands-on coaching we provide. We’re deeply invested in each player’s development, focusing on strong fundamentals while also building confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
What we’re most proud of is seeing the transformation in our athletes—especially those who started with little to no experience. Watching them grow and start to believe in themselves is incredibly rewarding. And eventually, we would like to get some of this girls scholarships to play college basketball, which is something else we will be proud of. We’ve built more than just a team—we’ve built a community centered on growth, empowerment, and love for the game.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can work with, collaborate with, or support our program. First and foremost, we’re always looking to connect with passionate coaches, trainers, and mentors who want to help shape the next generation of female athletes. Whether it’s volunteering, guest coaching, or hosting a clinic, we’re open to partnerships that bring value to our players.
We also welcome collaborations with local businesses or community organizations who believe in youth sports and want to invest in girls’ athletics. That could be through sponsorships, donations, or even helping with gear, uniforms, or facility access.
For parents and supporters, simply spreading the word about our program makes a huge difference. Attending games, sharing our content on social media, or referring young athletes to try out all help build the foundation we’re creating.
Ultimately, anyone who believes in empowering young girls through sports is someone we’d love to connect with. We’re building more than just teams—we’re building a movement, and community support is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.htxflames.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htxflames?igsh=MWNwZDdnZjBieXBsOQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15zcJC6naE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrie-bennett-7834231a5
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/bighayhay32?igsh=YW4zajF4MTZnM3Zr
