Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Williams.
Hi Dominique, 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.
I am the President and Founder of the Houston Lady Nets which originated from the Houston Nets, a youth basketball program offered by DreamWhere®, a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization. The Houston Nets began in 2006 in a park with 8 boys, with the intent to empower them through sports, education, and experiences by creating a positive outlet to pursue their passion. In 2019, we expanded the vision to girls by also providing them the resources to excel in the world of sports in a safe, positive environment. We have grown rapidly to now serving approximately100+ kids annually.
For the 2024 season we have transitioned our organization’s focus on primarily girls’ basketball, operating as the Houston Lady Nets. The Houston Lady Nets currently host seven age levels: 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade (2), and 11th/12th Grade Varsity (2).
Team Names:
HLN 12U
HLN 14U
HLN 15U
HLN 16U Purple
HLN 16U Black (Prep Girls Hoops Circuit)
HLN 17U Black (Prep Girls Hoops Circuit)
HLN 17U Gold (Adidas Gold Circuit)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing about AAU is necessarily smooth; there are some rough patches. It is a voluntary market. You do it because you love it. There is a great reward in coaching and training kids to develop their skill sets in preparation for any next-level opportunities. This has to be your passion, and you must keep that in mind over the obstacles that you will encounter as you continue to evolve.
Here are some of the obstacles and challenges that HLN faces:
*Program Funding
– Team fees are always a conflict of interest; too cheap is not competitive enough, and too expensive doesn’t cater to the average family.
– Everyone wants to travel, but not everyone wants to pay for travel
– Tournament entry fees for teams or spectators are at an all-time high
*Parent Expectations
– Parents think they are paying for a right to play rather than an opportunity
– Parents don’t understand that AAU is designed to showcase. It really is an investment for that child’s future.
– Most programs only practice twice per week, which is less than school ball, and the parents expect more skill development from AAU than school ball
– Parents get in the way of coaching. They believe their payment gives them a right to insert their opinions and ideas.
*Commitment
– Payments do not guarantee playing time. Often, players miss practice and expect nothing should change.
– Kids often choose other interests instead of the primary focus of a main sport
– Kids’ work ethic outside of practice is little to nonexistent. There is value in skilled training.
*Gym Space
– Due to an increase in teams all over the Houston region, gym availability is very limited for practices
– Due to the limited gym accessibility, full participation is not guaranteed during practice
– With larger programs like HLN, finding good quality gyms are rare
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a coach. I am a mentor. I am a trainer. I am an advocator for hidden gems. I am a motivator. I am a hope dealer. I inspire every player that comes through the Houston Lady Nets organization to strive for greatness at whatever level is desired. Not every player is D1 material, but most can compete on the next level (i.e., JUCO, NAIA, etc.).
I specialize in being intentional about surrounding today’s youth with a family-dynamic filled atmosphere. Family is our foundation, I too am a wife and mother which plays a huge factor in how I interact with the girls. Our program is built with entrepreneurs and role models that puts emphasis on high level exposure. We equip our players with knowledge and power that will lead them to success on and off the basketball court.
Houston Lady Nets are known for their competitiveness, grit, intensity, but most importantly, producing scholar athletes for all levels from JUCO to D1.
See below for some of our accomplishments and accolades:
2024 – Currently 7 College offers and 6-2024 graduates with basketball scholarships
2024- Co-Host the 2nd Annual Legends Tournament with Cynthia Cooper and Steve Francis
2024- HLN was the driving force that initiated us to host a Women is Sports Event at Houston Galveston Area Council featuring some icons like Cynthia Cooper (4-Time WNBA Champion), Alex Singer (GM for Houston Dash), and Debra Rossow (Trailblazer for WBL)
2024-2023 – Adidas Gold Gauntlet Participant
2022-2024 – Prep Hoops Girls Participant
2023 – #1 Prep Hoops Girls Ranked in Dynasty Region 17u Champions (12-0)
2023 – Co-Hosted the 1st Annual Legends Tournament with Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes
2023 – 4 College Offers and 1 graduated with a basketball scholarship
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books:
Jabez Prayer
The Four Agreements
Feeding The Soul
Women Evolve
Apps:
ESPN
Podcasts:
Sarah Jake Roberts
@SportsTalkwithCee
@seasoned_dialogue
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.houstonnets.com/
- Instagram: houstonladynets
- Facebook: Houston Nets
- Twitter: HoustonLadyNets
Image Credits
Jordan Serpa
@_kaliforniakidd
