Military Brat to WNBA Coach: Coach Chevelle Saunsoci"s Journey Through Japan, Omaha, and Phoenix

From the streets of Omaha to the sidelines of the WNBA — Coach Chevelle “Chevy” Saunsoci’s story is one of grit, faith, purpose, and relentless belief.In this powerful episode of SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next, we sit down with Phoenix Mercury assistant coach Chevelle “Chevy” Saunsoci to unpack her journey from being a 1,000-point scorer at Creighton University to becoming one of the rising coaching minds in the WNBA.This is more than basketball.This is about access.This is about purpose.This is about building something bigger than yourself.Born in Little Rock, Arkansas and raised in Japan as a military brat, Coach Chevy grew up moving constantly, learning how to adapt, survive, and thrive in unfamiliar environments. Basketball became her anchor.Her older brother introduced her to the game at Misawa Air Force Base, and from that moment on, basketball became her comfort, her confidence, and her calling.“Basketball became my comfort pillow,” she says.“It helped me connect when everything around me kept changing.”When her family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, the transition was tough. New culture. New environment. New challenges. But Chevy leaned into the game — and the game carried her forward.At Creighton University, Chevy became a certified bucket.1,000+ career pointsAll-MVC Second TeamElite guard playLeader on and off the floorBut her impact went beyond the box score. She was known for her basketball IQ, toughness, and ability to uplift her teammates.After her playing career, she stayed close to the game — beginning her coaching journey at Creighton, where she learned the art of development, culture-building, and mentorship.That’s when something bigger started calling her.Coach Chevy saw a problem.Too many talented kids.Not enough resources.Not enough access.Not enough mentorship.So she built a solution.Her program Develop was born out of a mission to bridge the gap for underserved athletes — connecting young players to elite coaching, real mentorship, and life-changing opportunity.“Access is everything,” Chevy says.“If I can open a door for a kid, I’m doing my job.”Develop isn’t just about basketball.It’s about confidence.It’s about belief.It’s about building futures.In 2023, Chevy sent an email hoping to volunteer.God had other plans.That email turned into an assistant coaching position with the Phoenix Mercury, one of the most iconic franchises in professional basketball.Now she’s on the sidelines coaching legends, developing pros, and helping rebuild a championship culture.“It was all God,” she says.“I just stayed ready.”Stepping into the WNBA brought new challenges:Coaching elite professionalsNavigating injuriesRebuilding team cultureCompeting in the toughest league in the worldAnd Coach Chevy embraced it all.With humility.With hunger.With heart.Coach Chevy’s approach is rooted in connection.She believes great coaching starts with:TrustAccountabilityCommunicationEmpowermentShe meets players where they are.She challenges them to grow.She builds relationships that last beyond basketball.“Basketball is the tool. The real work is developing people.”Coach Chevy is just getting started.She’s expanding Develop.She’s building new pathways for youth athletes.She’s continuing to grow as a WNBA coach.She’s committed to being a bridge for the next generation.Her vision is clear:Create access.Create opportunity.Create impact.This episode is for:Young athletes chasing dreamsCoaches finding their purposeParents seeking opportunityAnyone who believes in faith, work, and perseveranceCoach Chevy proves that when preparation meets purpose, destiny opens doors.🎧 Tap in and hear how a volunteer email turned into a WNBA coaching career.