Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomasina Gatson.
Hi Thomasina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It started with my career choice in 4th grade to become a teacher. My love for sports and my ability to do well in sports lead me to become a collegiate student-athlete. Consequently attending college, majoring in Kinesiology and becoming a teacher/coach began my journey. I am where I am today because of my unwavering willingness to follow my passion; the love for education and sports. My willingness to be humble, to be open to daily changes, and new ideas. As I advanced more into the teaching and coaching profession, my willingness to understand that my path was more about my service to my students and my student-athletes than the profession. The profession has enabled me to be willing to be a consistent learner and leader, which has led me to where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. But I can honestly say that there have been more smooth roads than obstacles/challenges. Being a teacher/coach is a challenge in itself. As a teacher, I can recall the stressors of making sure all of my students are being successful in my class. The challenge here is taking all these young minds and creating a classroom environment that’s conducive to learning but is receptive to all. As a Coach, building a program that is successful in a sense of more wins than losses. I acquired a program, as a first time head coach, that I had to build from the ground up. I had been under a coach as an assistant that provided me with great insight, however, its a different place when you are the head coach. My team struggled for those 3 years, but we grew in many ways, unfortunately at the pinnacle, my girl’s senior year, the district decides they wanted to go in a different direction, I was removed from my position as head coach after 3 seasons. It has been a difficult journey as a coach, but it was a 10-year growth that I never knew was in store for me. From this point, the obstacles and challenges came. How will I recover? Where will I go from here? Will I ever be a UIL coach again for this great state of Texas?
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a teacher/coach for a Houston area school district, with 28 years in education and coaching. I specialize in educating students in grades 9-12 in physical education, and health education. I am the head coach for a 6A-high school girls’ basketball program. I am known for being a structured, disciplined, and organized teacher/coach. Additionally, I am known as a true basketball coach, sports specific trainer, personal trainer and fitness enthusiast. And as of February 22, 2022, an Author. My book “Huddle Up” launched on February 26, 2022.
I am most proud of the journey I have been on since 2012. I have achieved so much since then in my profession. I was nominated by the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Health Teacher of the Year 2017, I was the Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist in 2018 and 2020. Which place me as Teacher of the Year each of those years for my school at that time, Victory Early College High School.
What sets me apart from others is I am not afraid to lead when I have to. I am always willing to learn and grow. I believe in what I do and that I can make a difference. Lastly, you can never put me in a box, I have too many tools to get out. I am passionate about my profession, and being a coach; Coach G.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to build a successful basketball program at my current high school, win a state title, and become Coach of the year. Secondly, I plan to open a training facility for girls; Gatson’s Sports and Fitness Academy. Thirdly, I plan to write a second book; ” Huddle up, 2.0.” The big change could possibly, retiring from public education, receiving my doctorate and becoming a Professor of Kinesiology at a University, and traveling the world motivating coaches.
Contact Info:
- Website: coachgsplaybook.com
- Instagram: @coachgsplaybook22
- Facebook: Thomasina Gatson
- Twitter: @tcbmw2002
Image Credits
Sandra Prado Photography
