Meet Monika Roberts of Triple D Academy in Southside

Monika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a former professional basketball player I reflected on the benefits that I received from being an athlete in addition to the experiences that one would look at as once in a lifetime opportunities. I found myself in a situation where I had the chance to extend opportunities to young people through the sport that I love and created a basketball program named Triple D Hoops. The three D’s stand for defense, determination and drive, the very foundation for my own success as a basketball player.  Since its establishment, Triple D Hoops has proudly primed more than 30 basketball college scholarship recipients. Due to the success of the program and the relationships that have been built throughout the city of Houston and beyond, Triple D has now evolved into a community-based sports training program that recently opened in February of this year, Triple D Academy. The primary focus of the academy is the development of young players on and off the court/field.

I also own a trucking and logistics company, Quality Hot Shot & Delivery LLC. We are one of a very few minority and woman-owned transportation companies and brokerage service, Mellenia Quality Brokers, in Houston. We provide delivery and transport services of goods across the US.

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. One can have all the ideas, hopes and dreams but without the obstacles and struggles, don’t expect anything to happen on its own. As a woman and former athlete, I enjoy the challenges that come along with being in male-dominated industries not only for my personal goals but to serve as an example to other women and young girls wanting to pave their own paths and see their dreams manifested.

 I must be honest – one should expect plenty of long days and nights, be willing to shed tears and then turn around and go through that process repeatedly. You’re going to struggle with a lack of finances, confidence at times and with the lack of support from your peers but all of this should be used to fuel your fire and passion. I know it did for me.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Triple D Academy is not only a sports training facility but also houses other established businesses that are centered around the youth and community building, this is what sets us apart from anyone else. We provide childcare services, tutoring and sports training just to mention a little of what we do. Furthermore we have adopted a local high school’s sports program to assist in helping their athletes as well, Sterling High School. Let me not forget, we also have something for the adults and will provide Zumba and personal fitness training in the near future. All-in-all our goal at Triple D Academy is to make it a one-stop shop for families in the Houston metro area.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is an excellent city for a business as unique as Triple D. This city produces amazing athletic talent and businesses seemingly flourish here with the endless resources this city has to offer. However without the support of my family, former basketball parents and friends, this would not have been possible. They all pushed me time and time again to keep going when I wanted to explore other options or quit. My mother- Janice Roberts encouraged me to secure a physical location for my business, this was after 2 previous deals that did not work out. She encouraged me to do it on my own. Ernest Hayes – a former Triple D Hoops parent who resigned from 24 Hour Fitness after 14 years,  partnered with me to serve as the Triple D Academy Director. Jim Mayo and Davie Lurie – my SCORE (small business) mentors, helped harness all my craziness and kept me focused. I’ve been in Houston for a little more than 10 years so I think that says a lot about this city.