From Hoop Dreams To Ownership. Goals W/ Former Collegiate Player Dr. Rees Ep. 32

### About the Guest(s): Dr. Ariassa Wilson, commonly referred to as Coach Rees or Dr. Rees, is a multifaceted professional with roots in Tacoma, Washington. As a former basketball player, she has an impressive career trajectory that includes playing professionally overseas in countries like Brazil, France, England, Belgium, Holland, and Colombia. She holds a master's in coaching and transitioned into a coaching career, which led her to be a head coach by the age of 25. Dr. Wilson is also the founder of a youth academy, has a significant coaching history at the community college level, and is now focused on leadership and empowering others through her role as a confidence coach and CEO of You Ish Coaching. Additionally, she has expressed aspirations of owning a team and being a venture capitalist in the sports industry. ### Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Ariassa Wilson shares her journey from an athlete to a coach, emphasizing the transformative power of community college athletics and the importance of hard work for achieving success. The conversation navigates through her personal evolution, the changing landscape of women's basketball, and the critical role of social capital in athlete recruitment.Dr. Wilson's extensive experience lends her unique insights into the athletic world, from the local community college level all the way to the professional stage. She speaks candidly about the challenges and opportunities athletes face today, both at the individual level and within the broader context of team dynamics and coaching. She also delves into her current work, focusing on mindset, habits, and skills essential for living out one's purpose. Her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership further informs her approach to personal and professional growth. ### Key Takeaways: * The role of community colleges in shaping athletes' futures and the need to value this path more. * Hard work as a differentiator: Challenges with the current athletic culture and the importance of true dedication. * Social capital's impact on recruiting: Coaches and players need to network effectively for successful career advancement. * The new landscape for athletes in an era of social media and NIL deals: Opportunities, challenges, and the importance of making informed decisions. * Dr. Wilson's vision for the future, including becoming a venture capitalist in sports and potentially owning a sports team. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro 2:47 - What's Different 4:35 - Coach Reese Introduction 6:45 - Coaching Changes & Improvements 16:26 - Networking Advice for Athletes at Small Schools 20:32 - Coaching Career Motivations 24:47 - Navigating the AAU Process for Athletes & Parents 34:38 - Questions to Ask College Coaches 36:53 - Benefits of Community College for Athletes 41:40 - Decision Making in School Selection 48:52 - Top 5 Insights 52:42 - Recap: What's Different 53:44 - Leave a Message 55:27 - Closing Thoughts