Jessica Spencer-Gardner has yet to coach her first game as the head girls basketball coach at Ponte Vedra High, but she has already done her best to establish what she hopes is a lasting mark.
Ponte Vedra High hosted a girls basketball clinic Oct. 8 in the school’s gym. The clinic was broken up into two segments with the morning session consisting of middle school-aged girls and the afternoon session focusing on younger ages.
“I just see a need for girls basketball opportunities in our area,” Spencer-Gardner said. “That’s why we wanted to really build up the younger girls out there in our community. My goal is to use basketball to help build the next generation of strong and confident female leaders.”
Not only did the clinic concentrate on growing the love of the game among the community’s youth, but it also gave members on the current high school squad the chance to teach and interact with those future Sharks.
According to Spencer-Gardner, there was so much to be gained from the day by everyone taking part.
“The Ponte Vedra High basketball players are phenomenal leaders and players, so to put them in position to be role models for the younger generation is great,” Spencer-Gardner said. “This game has given me so much and it’s full of life lessons to be learned.”
The message throughout the clinic was clear that although basketball was the reason they were all there, it was about much more than just the game.
“When you’re face-to-face with those little girls, you realize the impact you can have on their lives,” Spencer-Gardner said.
Each player in the high school program, both varsity and junior varsity, were on hand and serving as an instructor at any of the various skill stations set up around the gym.
Also helping was Charlsea Clark, who had spent years as a coach at the high school and college levels, most recently last year as an assistant coach for the University of North Florida women’s basketball program.
Not only did Clark offer up her expertise and tips as an instructor, but she also provided some word of inspiration and advice for the girls during a portion of the clinic.
Clark emphasized the importance of having a relentless work ethic and approaching the game with respect and a selfless attitude.
“I’ve really been focusing on leadership with my girls and what it means to be a leader,” Spencer-Gardner said. “This gives them an opportunity to be in a leadership role and to lead by example and use their words to uplift.”
Spencer-Garner took over as head coach of the Sharks in April and since then she has experienced a smooth transition as she’s worked on building her relationships with her players.
“I’m a relationship-driven coach, so I told the girls from day one that I will be there for them 100%,” Spencer-Gardner said. “We’ve done a lot of team bonding early on and I’ve had a blast with them. They are just such a great group of girls.”
