SHEKINNA STRICKLEN
Morrilton,AR
Summary
Accomplished basketball coach and former professional athlete with a strong background in player development and team building. As Head Coach, led the Sylvan Hills High School Girls Basketball program, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and teamwork while mentoring student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off the court.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Coach
SYLVAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
01.2023 - Current
- Lead the girls basketball program and oversee the development of student-athletes on and off the court.
- Planned and conducted practices emphasizing basketball fundamentals, individual skill development, and team execution to enhance player performance.
- Teach basketball IQ, decision-making, spacing, communication, accountability, and situational awareness.
- Developed positive team culture centered on discipline, effort, teamwork, and personal responsibility to foster athlete growth and cohesion.
- Mentored student-athletes, leveraging professional and collegiate experience to prepare players for competition at higher levels.
- Communicate with athletes, families, school personnel, and coaching staff to support the success and development of the program.
- Emphasize individual growth while developing athletes who understand the importance of team success.
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor for young women both on and off the court.
- Led the girls basketball program.
7th & 8th Grade Coach
SYLVAN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Coached 7th- and 8th-grade girls basketball players, establishing strong foundation in basketball fundamentals and fostering skills for future success.
- Coached girls basketball team at the middle school level.
- Developed comprehensive skills in shooting, ball-handling, passing, defense, rebounding, and game awareness, enhancing players' overall performance.
- Designed practices focused on skill development, teamwork, discipline, communication, and confidence.
- Mentored young athletes, emphasizing character development, accountability, effort, and self-reliance to promote personal growth and teamwork.
- Prepared players for the transition from middle-school basketball to high-school competition.
Professional Basketball Player
ATLANTA DREAM
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Competed in Women's National Basketball Association
- Used perimeter shooting and floor spacing to create opportunities for teammates and improve offensive execution.
- Facilitated communication with coaches and teammates, strengthening team goals and chemistry.
- Mentored younger players, enhancing their skills and confidence as a veteran leader.
- Provided guidance and professional experience to younger athletes, fostering their development.
- Demonstrated preparation, accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to team success.
Professional Basketball Player
CONNECTICUT SUN
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Became the Connecticut Sun single-season three-point leader.
- Became the Connecticut Sun franchise three-point leader.
- 2019 Participated in WNBA games Three-Point Contest Champion.
- Led team as veteran leader, mentoring younger players to enhance their development.
- Leveraged basketball knowledge to educate teammates on game situations, spacing, shooting techniques, and offensive strategies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with coaches and teammates, fostering a supportive and positive team culture.
- WNBA
Professional Basketball Player
SEATTLE STORM
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Selected 2nd overall in the Competeded at the highest level in women's professional basketball league. Draft.
- Played alongside and learned from accomplished WNBA veterans including Tina Thompson, Sue Bird, Katie Smith, and Tamika Johnson.
- Developed an elite understanding of professional preparation, communication, teamwork, game execution, and team culture.
- Learned the importance of preparation, consistency, accountability, and leadership at the highest level of women's professional basketball.
- WNBA
Hatay
, TURKEY
01.2012 - 01.2013
Fenerbahçe
, TURKEY
01.2017 - 01.2018
Shinhan Bank
, SOUTH KOREA
01.2013 - 01.2014
KB Stars
, SOUTH KOREA
01.2014 - 01.2015
Woori Bank
, SOUTH KOREA
01.2016 - 01.2017
Education
Bachelor of Science -
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
05-2012
Skills
- Basketball Fundamentals
- Basketball IQ
- Offensive and Defensive Concepts
- Practice Planning
- Game Preparation
- Player Development
- Skill Development
- Player Evaluation
- Athlete Mentoring
- Team Building
- Team Dynamics
- Team Culture
- Youth Development
- Accountability
- Leadership
- Communication
- Motivation
- Relationship Building
- Program Leadership
- Athlete Leadership
Personal Information
Title: HEAD BASKETBALL COACH | PLAYER DEVELOPMENT | FORMER WNBA PROFESSIONAL
COLLEGIATE HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2008–2009, SEC Freshman of the Year, Second Team All-SEC, 2009–2010, SEC Champion, First Team All-SEC, 2010–2011, SEC Champion, SEC Player of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP, First Team All-SEC, All-American Team, 2011–2012, SEC Champion, First Team All-SEC
- Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Inductee — 2023, SEC Player of the Year, SEC Tournament MVP, SEC Freshman of the Year, All-American, Multiple First Team All-SEC selections, 3× SEC Champion, 2× WKBL MVP, WKBL Champion, WNBA Three-Point Contest Champion — 2019, 2nd Overall WNBA Draft Selection, Connecticut Sun Franchise Three-Point Leader, Connecticut Sun Single-Season Three-Point Leader
COMMUNITY & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Volunteer reader in local elementary schools, encouraging literacy and positive development among students., Participated in multiple WNBA basketball camps, teaching young girls the fundamentals and skills of basketball., Volunteer with nonprofit organizations supporting individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness., Dedicated to giving back to the community and using basketball to positively impact young people., Passionate about teaching confidence, discipline, teamwork, responsibility, self-reliance, and leadership through basketball., Committed to serving as a positive role model for young athletes both on and off the court.
International Achievements
- 2× WKBL MVP
- WKBL Champion
- Competed professionally in international basketball systems and cultures.
- Adapted to different coaching philosophies, teammates, playing styles, and team expectations.
COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL CAREER
- University of Tennessee
- Student-Athlete | 2008–2012
- Played at the University of Tennessee under legendary Head Coach Pat Summitt, gaining an elite foundation in basketball fundamentals, preparation, discipline, leadership, accountability, team culture, and winning.
Timeline
Head Coach
SYLVAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
01.2023 - Current
7th & 8th Grade Coach
SYLVAN HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
01.2022 - 01.2023
Professional Basketball Player
ATLANTA DREAM
01.2019 - 01.2022
Fenerbahçe
01.2017 - 01.2018
Woori Bank
01.2016 - 01.2017
Professional Basketball Player
CONNECTICUT SUN
01.2014 - 01.2019
KB Stars
01.2014 - 01.2015
Shinhan Bank
01.2013 - 01.2014
Professional Basketball Player
SEATTLE STORM
01.2012 - 01.2014
Hatay
01.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science -
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE