Our Mission

We galvanize our diverse range of partners, including nonprofits, athletes, schools, and corporations, around a shared vision of sport as a force for positive change. By supporting and creating programs that directly serve youth, and driving collaboration between leaders from many sectors, we are able to advance our mission to improve the lives of youth and unite communities through the power of sport

Player Made Motivation's initiative focuses on integrating SEL and mental health supports with our sports-based mental fitness program. Students that participate in athletics are at-risk of certain athlete-specific concerns, such as ,performance anxiety, injuries, and post-concussive syndrome (PCS) that can have a negative impact on their academics and behavior long after clearing RTP (return-to-play) protocols. The effects have been shown to impair young athletes well into adulthood when these skills are most needed.

Early interventions to address concerns such as the impacts of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are important. We employ evidence- based strategies to assist student athletes and our school communities with dealing with potential issues. We offer executive function coaching and mentoring to help with goal setting, self-control, time-management, and healthy transitions to post-sports careers.

In addition to our M.E.A.L. (monitoring, evaluating, assessment, learning) plan, we conduct educational trainings and workshops for school district faculty/staff with a focus on Title I schools.

Our team

“SEL should be infused into SBYD…SEL should be integrated into all of the program components. However, SEL is not going to work unless staff are properly trained in and model it. That must be a priority.”

Merideth Whitley- Adelphi University

Basil Mitchell,

Program Director/EF Coach

Prior to his role in youth development and mentoring, Basil signed to play with the Green Bay Packers out of Texas Christian University. While at TCU, he was a standout running back and helped lead his team to the biggest turn-around in college football and TCU’s first bowl victory in over 40 years. He was named to the all-conference team, voted to the TCU Leadership Council, and was the 1999 Pop Boone Male Student-Athlete of the Year. He finished his career at TCU as the 4th all-time leading rusher in school history.

As an expert in teamwork, emotional intelligence, and the power of gratitude, Basil delivers keynote addresses, leads customized workshops, and works one-on-one in a way that empowers people and organizations to reach new levels of awareness and success, both personally and socially. Through his talks, workshops, and seminars, Basil works with educators, coaches, student-athletes, and their support networks on improving academic performance and positive behaviors.
After his athletic career was cut short by injuries, Basil worked in the commercial real estate industry marketing and leasing retail/restaurant developments.. Basil has volunteered to empowering and inspiring student-athletes and has helped as a middle school ISS monitor and high school football coach.

In addition to studying psychology at TCU, Basil has continued to educate himself receiving certifications in community mental health issues, and executive function coaching. He has extensively studied many disciplines of both personal and professional development and received training from the coaches training institute and PESI, inc.
Basil is passionate about helping the next generation of student-athletes reach their greatest potential. He has always had a desire and a talent for positively affecting other people. Whether as a teammate, a coach, a speaker, or just talking to strangers on the street, Basil Mitchell’s intention is to make a difference with people wherever he goes.

Education:

B.A. Psychology, Texas Christian University

Certifications:

Certified High Impact Presenter, Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. Dallas, TX June 2005

Description: Trained to deliver presentations and workshops that motivate & educated

ACEs & Trauma in Students
PESI, Inc. Community Mental Health Summit, Virtual, Dec. 2022

Description: Identification and responses to inappropriate behaviors

Culturally Affirming Practices for whole person Treatment
PESI, Inc. Community Mental Health Summit, Virtual, Dec. 2022

Description: Effective treatment focuses on the whole person. The thoughts, behaviors, and sufferings of your students are intimately connected to the social and cultural context in which they live. Explored the importance of intersectionality in each client and get specific guidance on replacing negative labels that can lead to ineffective practices.

Supporting Clients in Poverty: Strength-based approaches to build resilience & change
PESI, Inc. Community Mental Health Summit, Virtual, Dec. 2022

Description: Session challenged our own biases about poverty, discover ways we can provide our students with skills and resources to meet their basic needs prior to addressing educational processes, and look at how we can close the gap of inequity due to poverty, even when it means going beyond the therapeutic session.

Santrecia Mitchell, M.S.

Director of Operations

Before becoming a passionate educator, Santrecia was a stay-at-home mom and a small business owner. She found joy in volunteering and being an active parent at her children's school. She never imagined a career in education. It wasn't until her son started elementary school that she noticed he was struggling with his academics and sometimes behavior. She observed her son's academic struggles were similar to her experiences in school. After being diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult she suggested that her son be tested as well as she assumed he had the same learning difference as her and his sisters. At first, his teachers attributed his academic struggles to him not being smart enough or not wanting to learn. After being consistent with the school and getting her son tested, her son was dyslexic and his behavior issues were to distract the fact that he was struggling academically. That was the pivotal moment when Santrecia realized that children, not only her son, needed an advocate. Students needed someone who not only understood but empathized with their struggles. Santrecia enrolled in university to get her bachelor's degree and immediately upon graduating she was hired as a 7th-grade health teacher and Girl's Athletic coach. This is where she found her passion for mentoring students.

Santrecia teaches AVID and coaches girl athletics for a middle school in Richardson ISD. AVID, advancement via individual determination, provides scaffolded support that encourages college and career readiness, SMART goals, and success for all students. She also serves as an equity and diversity liaison for her school.

In addition to studying health education, Santrecia received her M.S. degree in Health, Kinesiology, Sports Study with a concentration in Athletic Administration. She continues to educate herself by attending conferences, and professional development concentrating on health, social-emotional learning, and sports psychology.

Santrecia shares a passion for helping student-athletes reach their most significant potential. She believes if it was not for her son's struggles in school she would not have discovered her passion for mentoring and helping the next generation to become the best version of themselves.

Education:

B.S. Health, Texas A&M-Commerce

M.S. Kinesiology, Sports Studies, w/Athletic Administration concentration, Texas A&M-Commerce

Certifications:

Certified Texas Educator