Anything is possible. While the New Yorks were crowned as the Champions of The NBA, their historic feat comes as no surprise to me. Why? New York is recognized as the “Street Ball” capital of the world. That means that the Empire State is home to some of the greatest and best ballers.
Watching Coach Mike Brown lead his team to victory was very gratifying as well. In my opinion, he has always been very good at what does, and while he was passed over a few times, the sweet taste of holding the championship trophy should make those memories fade. Congratulations, New York Knicks!
Epic Fitness HP “Where Results Matter” LaMardra Juliana
Huntsville, AL
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by LaMardra Juliana
LaMardra Juliana of Huntsville, AL, is the owner and founder of Epic Fitness HP. Her company is a private training facility rooted in transformation and guided by the powerful slogan “Because Results Matter”. What LaMardra is doing is more than a gym; it’s a movement. She adds that it’s more than a training space. “It is a resultsdriven coaching environment where individuals of all backgrounds come to rebuild strength physically, mentally, and spiritually. From competition preparation and body transformation programs to online coaching and faithbased accountability, I have built a brand that reflects both excellence and compassion.”
LaMardra shares that her clients often describe Epic Fitness as a family, a place where encouragement meets structure and where every plan is tailored to real lifestyles. Whether working with busy professionals, youth athletes, or individuals seeking to overcome health challenges, LaMardra emphasizes education, discipline, and community.
In an industry often focused on quick fixes and surfacelevel results, LaMardra Juliana stands apart. Known to many as “LJ,” she is not only a coach and entrepreneur, but a leader driven by purpose, education, and faith. She has dedicated her life to helping individuals reclaim their health, confidence, and identity through personalized fitness and lifestyle coaching.
It is a results-driven coaching environment where individuals of all backgrounds come to rebuild strength physically, mentally, and spiritually.
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When someone realizes they are capable of more than they thought, everything changes. This is what I love most about what I do.
Raised with a strong sense of family and community, LaMardra’s journey into health and wellness was shaped by both personal experience and academic excellence. Her mission is rooted in transformation. She says, “My journey began after witnessing firsthand how many people struggled with health conditions that could be improved through proper nutrition and consistent training. Determined to create a space where people felt seen and supported, I found Epic Fitness HP with a vision to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and practical fitness coaching,” she says.
LaMardra has earned a nursing degree and a Biology Exercise Physiology degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. LaMardra brings a clinical understanding of disease processes and holistic health to every program she creates. Even more, her unique combination of medical knowledge and exercise science helps her to coach clients beyond aesthetics, while focusing on longevity, prevention, and true lifestyle change. Over the years, she has helped countless clients lose weight, rebuild confidence, and even reduce dependence on medications, milestones she considers far more meaningful than numbers on a scale. “Transformation isn’t just physical,” she often shares, “It’s emotional and spiritual. When someone realizes they are capable of more than they thought, everything changes. This is what I love most about what I do.”
LaMardra is a devout woman of faith, something that plays a central role in her leadership style. She credits God as the foundation of her resilience and vision, guiding both her personal life and professional decisions. “My greatest inspiration comes from the people I serve. This includes clients who show up despite challenges and continue to push forward,” she says. Family also remains a driving force behind her work, reminding LaMardra daily of the importance of creating healthier generations.
Like many entrepreneurs, LaMardra has faced obstacles and challenges while building and maintaining her business, including balancing the demands of leadership and family life. Instead of viewing challenges as setbacks, she approaches them as opportunities for growth. Through education, faith, and unwavering consistency, she has expanded her reach and built a reputation for delivering real results in a supportive environment.
What is next for LaMardra Juliana and Epic Fitness HP? She plans to continue expanding Epic Fitness HP both locally and online, creating opportunities for individuals everywhere to experience personalized coaching rooted in science and faith. “With new digital programs, wellness education initiatives, and continued community engagement, my mission remains clear: to help people live healthier, stronger lives while realizing their full potential. Success isn’t measured by trophies or titles; it’s measured by lives changed. As Epic Fitness HP continues to grow, one thing remains constant: my belief that transformation begins when commitment meets purpose. Whether training in person or connecting virtually, clients who work with me don’t just join a program; they become part of a movement dedicated to lasting change,” she says. S
Coach Bombay Higginbottom
Pearl Boxing Club
By Terry L. Watson
SPORTS
Coach Bombay Deshone Higginbottom is the founder of Pearl Boxing Club, located in Pearl, MS.
Coach Bombay was born and raised in Akron, OH. He began boxing at a young age, competing in 124 amateur fights, losing in 17 of them. He took a leave from the sport of boxing for a couple of years and returned to fight professionally, which included eight fights, earning four wins and four losses. Coach Bombay would eventually find his way to New Orleans, staying until he was forced to relocate to Jackson, MS, due to damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He later moved to Pearl, MS, and worked directly with Pearl Boxing Club co-founder David Archer for two years before Archer retired. He later took over as coach of Pearl Boxing Club (PBC Nation) in 2009.
Some of the fighters Coach Bombay have coached include Kashun “Big Baby” Davis, a heavyweight fighter, who is currently ranked 28th in the country, with a 12-0 record, with 12 knockouts. He has also coached Chown Simms and many others.
Pearl, MS
Photos Provided by Pearl Boxing Club
The Pearl Boxing Club not only offers life lessons for its participants. They also teach them how to fight through adversity, teach them discipline, and that good things come from hard work. “When I first came to PBC, my goal was to prove that I am a great trainer. However, I learned that working with different kids and individuals, I was more than just a coach; I had the responsibility to be a mentor, parent, advocate, cook, and play a lot of different roles. Once I learned that aspect, the champions began to fall into line. I got more out of the young fighters once I learned that my role was more than being a coach,” he says.
Coach Bombay says that what he loves most about boxing is showing others that opportunities exist within the sport of boxing. “I came from Cleveland, OH. It was kind of rough and rugged, and I didn’t really begin to realize what life was about until I started to travel and saw different places and venues. I went to Chicago and Mexico to box, and I realized that the world was more than just my neighborhood. I really enjoy taking our young fighters on the road and teaching them different things. A lot of the kids haven’t been anywhere and haven’t tried many things, and I love being the one who shows them different avenues in the world,” he says.
Coach Bombay shares that the hardest thing he has encountered as a boxer and as a coach is keeping focused and keeping the kids focused. “Once you start to get a little success, a lot of things begin to come at you. Everyone wants to hang on to a winner. As a coach, I have learned that everyone learns at a different pace and that some want to win more than others. I have learned to allow others to figure out some things on their own. If a fighter wants it more than me, they should beat me to the gym,” Coach says. A story that Coach Bombay often shares reflects on growing up in Cleveland. “When I was 19 years old, I grew up around LeBron James. He was about six years old, and went over to his house, and his mother, Gloria, introduced me to him. His mother and I went out for a little bit and came back home hours later, and LeBron was still outside playing basketball. People ask where LeBron is now, and I say that he is still playing basketball six days per week.” That is the kind of determination that Coach Bombay tries to relay to the young fighters of PBC Nation.
Coach Bombay is assisted by four coaches at PBC Nation, yet he shares that he remains hands-on. Pearl Boxing Club is a family environment and Coach Bombay also depends on the help and support of others to fill in for him when he has to travel with his fighters. Coach Bombay shares that his life and career have been inspired by Robert Davis. He shares that his favorite fighter is Roy Jones. He met Roy Jones when he moved down south, and has yet to share how he inspires him. He is also fond of James Tony, another fighter.
Looking ahead, Coach Bombay is focused on building up fighters to reach their highest potential. “I hope to take Kashun “Big Baby” Davis to another level and inspire other kids to be great as well,” he says. To learn more about Pearl Boxing Club (PBC Nation) please visit their website. S Pearl Boxing Club
Temple University Defensive Back Jamere Jones
Philadelphia, PA
By Terry L. Watson
Jones
One thing is obvious: Jamere Jones has a genuine love and passion for the sport of football.
Jamere is a defensive back who was born and raised in Montgomery County, MD. Jamere began his high school career at Seneca Valley before continuing at Thomas Johnson, Tuscarora, and Clayton High School. After graduating from Clayton, he started his collegiate football journey at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, where he spent three years developing both academically and athletically. He then transferred to the University of Nebraska–Kearney, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Jamere concluded his collegiate athletic career with a final season at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
Jamere is the son of Shanelle White and Miles Charles and grew up alongside his sister, Janea Polk. His family and upbringing have played a central role in shaping his resilience, discipline, and work ethic.
The most impactful experience for me has been the process — the journey of becoming one of the best at what I do. I wasn’t always the most naturally gifted or physically dominant athlete. I had to study the game, truly understand defensive concepts, and master the details.
Photos Provided by Jamere
Playing defensive back leaves almost no margin for error, so I dedicated countless hours to refining my footwork, movement efficiency, and technique. The discipline of committing to that grind every day — especially when it wasn’t glamorous — shaped me more than any single game ever could.
Jamera shares that what he loves most about football is the camaraderie. He adds, “There’s something special about being part of a brotherhood where everyone is sacrificing for a common goal. The relationships built through shared adversity, long practices, tough losses, and big wins are bonds that last far beyond the game itself.” As much as he loves football and appreciates what the sport has done for him, Jamere remains humble and appreciative of the opportunities he has been
afforded. He says, “I don’t believe football owes me anything, and I don’t believe I owe it anything either. What I do know is that this game — the one I fell in love with at eight years old — has taken me places my circumstances alone may never have. It has opened doors, created opportunities beyond the field, and introduced me to lifelong friends and mentors. In return, I’ve given the game everything I had. I never stopped working. I never stopped betting on myself. I trusted the hours I invested, and more often than not, that belief paid off.”
As much as Jamere has accomplished with football, he confesses that he couldn’t have done any of it without the love and support of family and friends. He says his greatest inspiration is his mother. “My mother raised two children on her own at a young age and faced challenges most people never see. Watching her persevere through everything she endured instilled a deep sense of responsibility and drive in me. Her strength continues to push me to operate at a higher level in everything I do,” Jamere shared.
Losing his mother during his freshman year of college, Jamere says, is the greatest challenge he has faced. “Navigating that loss while continuing to compete and grow as a young man was one of the hardest periods of my life. I honestly don’t always know how I managed it. But in moments when I didn’t feel like training twice a day or putting in extra work on Sundays when I could have rested, I thought about how far I had come — and how unfair it felt to lose the one person who loved and supported me unconditionally. That pain became fuel. It pushed me to work harder, stay disciplined, and honor her through my effort and persistence.” S
Alcorn Cheerleading Announces Expansion for 2026-27
Information obtained from online source at www.alcornstateuniversity.com
Alcorn State University Cheerleading Head Coach Dr. Timothy Queen announced on Monday, June 1, the Braves will be expanding the program to include both a co-ed and all-girl team for the 2026-27 athletic year. This strategic initiative is designed to enhance the overall gameday experience for fans, alumni, students, supporters, and the entire Alcorn community, while creating additional opportunities for studentathletes to represent the university with pride and distinction.
The Co-Ed Team will be comprised of 15 female athletes and 6 male athletes. This team will serve as a highly visible ambassador for Alcorn and will be responsible for each of the following: Cheerleading at all home football games, Traveling to selected away football games, Supporting the men’s basketball program, Performing at university pep rallies, Representing Alcorn at special appearances and community events, Serving as a key component of the competition program.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned All-Girl Team will be comprised of 10 female athletes, and will play a vital role in elevating the spirit and tradition of Alcorn through the following areas: Cheerleading at home football games, Supporting the women’s basketball program, Performing at pep rallies and campus events, Participating in special university appearances, Contributing members to the competition program.
Additionally, Dr. Queen says the Braves will employ a Competition Team which will consist of selected athletes from both the Co-Ed and All-Girl teams, creating a unified and highly competitive squad capable of representing the university at the highest levels of collegiate cheerleading. Alcorn Cheerleading Assistant Coach Kala Blanton will oversee the All-Girl team.
The decision to expand to two teams reflects a commitment to providing a more dynamic, engaging, and energetic atmosphere at athletic events and university functions. With increased visibility and coverage across multiple athletic programs, the cheerleading program will be able to provide greater support for student-athletes, enhance fan interaction, and create a more exciting environment on game days. The expanded structure will allow for more performances, increased crowd engagement, and a stronger spirit presence throughout the year.
“Our vision is to create an environment where every fan feels connected to the excitement and tradition of Alcorn State University,” commented Dr. Queen. “By expanding the program into both a Co-Ed Team and an All-Girl Team, we are positioning ourselves to provide a higher level of spirit, entertainment, and support for our athletic programs while creating more opportunities for student-athletes to develop as leaders and ambassadors of Alcorn.”
The move aligns with the university’s continued commitment to enhancing the student experience and strengthening school pride throughout campus and beyond. For the 2026–2027 season, the Alcorn Cheerleading Program will operate under the theme “The Standard is the Standard – One Team, One Purpose, One Alcorn.” The adopted theme embodies the program’s commitment to unity, excellence, and a shared vision of elevating the Brave spirit on campus and throughout the Alcorn community.
With two teams, one mission, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Alcorn Cheerleading is poised to make a lasting impact on game days, campus life, and the future of collegiate cheerleading in Lorman, Mississippi. For additional information, please contact Alcorn State University Cheer Program at cheer@alcorn.edu.
TSU, Florida A&M Renew Historic Football Series
Information obtained from online source at www.tsu.edu
Tennessee State Football will renew one of the most storied rivalries in HBCU football on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, as the Tigers and Florida A&M University meet in the opening contest of a two-game series spanning the 2026 and 2027 seasons, TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen announced in January. The series resumes with the 56th all-time meeting between the programs and marks the first matchup since 2017. Tennessee State will travel to Tallahassee in 2026 before hosting the Rattlers in 2027, when the Tigers will serve as the designated home team. Kickoff time for the 2026 game will be announced at a later date. “This rivalry represents the very foundation of HBCU footballtradition, excellence and community, “ said Allen. “Reconnecting with Florida A&M allows us to honor the past while intentionally laying the groundwork for a long-term, annual matchup that our fans, alumni and student-athletes can look forward to for years to come.”
Tennessee State holds a 31–24 advantage in the all-time series, adding another layer of intrigue to the renewal of a rivalry that has helped shape the national profile of HBCU football. The matchup carries deep historical significance for TSU. One of the most memorable games in program history came on Oct. 25, 1969, when the Tigers defeated Florida A&M 33–20 in front of 20,000 fans, the third-most attended game ever on TSU’s campus. Tennessee State and Florida A&M have met 21 times in classic settings, including 17 appearances in the Atlanta Football Classic/Atlanta Ebony Classic. The programs have also faced off in the Gateway Classic (1993), Orange Blossom Classic (1956), John Merritt Classic (2012), Tampa Classic (2017) and during TSU Homecoming games in 1971, 1979, 1994 and 2014. The Tigers have enjoyed recent success in the series, winning their last six appearances against the Rattlers.
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Hernandez, Zapata Earn HBCU Honors for NC A&T Golf
North Carolina A&T men’s golf completed its best season since the program started in 2017, and the Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGGCA) and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) rewarded the Aggies with numerous postseason honors.
The BCGGCA and GCAA named Emilio Hernandez HBCU Outstanding Freshman, and he was also named to the HBCU All-Freshman Team. Meanwhile, sophomore teammate Ignacio Zapata secured HBCU All-American accolades after making a surge on the course toward the end of the 2025-26 season.
Hernandez got off to a great start in his career. Hernandez won the SAS HBCU Championship in his first career tournament. Hernandez shot a 5-under (65-70-70) 205 to win the tournament. At the time, Hernandez’s 65 in Round 1 tied the program for the lowest score in a round. He won the tournament by three strokes over North Carolina Central University’s Jamal Hutchinson.
Hernandez played in eight tournaments during the season. Over 23 rounds, he posted an average score of 73. He had four rounds under par and three others at even par. He finished 26th at the 2026 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Golf Championships, and he finished in a tie for 18th at the PGA Works Collegiate Championships.
Meanwhile, Zapata got on a hot streak during the spring, helping the Aggies win another tournament. He had three top 5 finishes in the spring, including a victory at Appalachian State’s Irish Creek Collegiate, April 6-7. There, Zapata shot a 5-under (70-71-67) 208 to win the event over Catawba’s Paul Ensauly. It was his first career win and the fourth tournament win of the season for the Aggies.
Zapata was rewarded for his efforts when the CAA named him men’s golfer of the week. His terrific play continued into the CAA championships, where he finished fourth. That marked the highest CAA finish for an A&T men’s golfer and the second-highest in program history at a conference championship. Zapata played in eight tournaments during the season. Over 23 rounds, he had an average score of 72.3. He had six rounds under par and three other rounds he shot even par. Overall, under first-year director of golf Mesha Levister, the Aggies won four tournaments, each by a different golfer. They were also awarded three weekly honors, each won by a different individual.
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donating to the McNair
Greensboro, NC
By Terry L. Watson
A Love for Track and Field Nicole Kelly
Nicole Kelly of Greensboro, NC is a remarkable, 45 year old Masters Track and Field Athlete. She describes herself as someone who loves to enjoy life. “I like to hang out with my friends and family. I like going to concerts and comedy shows. I also love to laugh a lot. Life is serious, but I like to have fun and laugh a lot. I’ve also adopted the name “Cookie Monster” for my love of cookies,” she says.
Originally from Williamsburg, VA, Nicole graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Her athletic career began with basketball, and while playing at the recreation level, a referee noticed how fast Nicole was running up and down the court and asked her if she had an interest in track and field. The rest of the story, as you know, is history.
Nicole shares that in the beginning, she didn’t like track, but once she started going to a few track meets and winning, she fell in love with the sport. After playing basketball and running indoor and outdoor track during her freshman year in high school, Nicole decided to focus primarily on track. Good choice, as it earned her a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.
After college, Nicole dabbled with competing professionally in track and field. She says, “I had a brief moment of training and competing professionally, but after injuries and other unforeseen situations, I decided professional track wasn’t for me at that time. I was doing one track meet a year, which was the NC State Games. Then, in 2014, I learned the National Masters track meet was going to be in Winston-Salem, NC. From that meet, I learned about the Masters Track and Field circuit. They have meets all over the US for masters, indoor and outdoor. I also learned about the world championships and participated in
Photos Provided by Nicole Kelly SPORTS
one for the first time in Spain, which was in 2018. I placed 6th in the Shot Put and Javelin in the world for the 35-39 age group,” she says.
Track and Field is a family affair for Nicole. Her mom, Linda, who turned 66 in June, competes with Nicole, something they have been doing for 11 years. “It’s truly a blessing to be doing Masters Track and Field with my mom,” she says. When not competing or training, Nicole works at Volvo Group North America, and has been for nineteen years.
Nicole won her first international medal last year at the 2025 Masters World Indoor Track and Field Championships, placing 2nd in the Javelin. Some of her accomplishments include placing 2nd Place in Shot Put, 3rd in High Jump, and 4th 60 meters in the 2018 Indoor Nationals. In 2019, she placed 2nd in Shot Put, 3rd 60 meters, 1st High Jump, 3rd Weight and Super Weight, 4th 200 in the Indoor Nationals. In the Outdoor Nationals of the same year, she placed 2nd 100, 1st Javelin, 2nd High Jump, 2nd 200, 3rd Shot Put. In 2021, during the Outdoor Nationals, Nicole placed 1st Javelin, 3rd High Jump, 5th 100, 5th 200, 1st Shot Put, and ran PTI run the runway.
In 2022, she PTI run the runway at the Penn relays, something done for the first time in 21 years. She also placed 2nd in 4x100 at the Outdoor Nationals, 1st Hammer, 1st Weight Throw, 1st Javelin, and 1st Shot Put. In 2023, at the Indoor Nationals, Nicole placed 1st in the Shot Put. At the Outdoor Nationals, she placed 3rd Hammer, 3rd Shot Put, 3rd Weight Throw, 2nd Javelin, and 1st 4x1.
In 2024, during the Penn Relays, she placed 3rd. During the Outdoor Nationals, she placed 2nd Shot Put, and 1st Javelin. In 2025, during the Indoor Nationals, Nicole placed 2nd in Super Weight, 4th Weight Throw, and 1st Shot Put. During the World Championships, she placed 4th in the Shot Put and 2nd in Javelin, winning her first ever international medal. She competed in the first ever masters swim meet, with the 25 Freestyle. She also competed with the college women in Javelin at NC A&T State University, placing 7th out of 26. During the Penn Relays she placed 2nd, and also strained her hamstring. During the Outdoor Nationals, she placed 2nd Shot Put, 3rd Weight Throw, and 2nd Javelin. She also walked in a 5K marathon on Thanksgiving that year.
In 2026, during the Indoor Nationals, Nicole placed 1st in Shot Put, 2nd Weight Throw, 1st Super Weight, and walked 5k run the runway. She also did the 2nd masters swim meet ever. She threw the javelin with the college women at NC A&T and placed 5th out of 17, and participated in the Penn relays 4x100, placing 4th. As one can imagine, the sport of track and field can come with some adversity. One is the impact it has on the
Everyone wants to perform well, but the most important thing is to have fun with it.
athlete’s body. For Nicole, it has impacted her knees. “I have a meniscus tear in both knees, arthritis in both knees, bone spurs in both knees, and patella tendinitis in my left knee. Training and competing has been challenging the past 3-4 years, also. I used to do high jump and long jump, but due to my knees, I am no longer able to compete in the jumps,” she says. Having the energy to train is also challenging. Working a full time job and trying to figure out training, keeping in shape, and competing, she states, is tough. Another challenge is the financial commitment she has to make as an athlete. “All track meets that I participate in require me to come out of pocket. We’re not considered professional athletes, so we don’t get paid to compete, and we don’t have sponsors,” she says.
Nicole has benefited from a great support system throughout her athletic career, and credits several individuals as well. One is Coach Allen Overton, whom she calls her “forever coach”. “We met 35 years ago. I was 10 years old, and that is when he began coaching me in track. I can always count on Coach Overton. Sometimes when I go home to Williamsburg, I call Coach up, let him know that I am in town, and we practice,” Nicole says. She also credits Carol Woodside-Phillips for teaching her how to throw javelin, which has become her favorite event.
Looking ahead, Nicole plans to compete in the June 27-28 USATF Masters Southeast Region Outdoor Championships, July 16-19 USATF Masters Outdoor Championships, and possibly the World Masters Track and Field Championships in Daegu, South Korea, during August 22-Aug 23. Next year, she plans to participate with the Indoor Nationals Masters Track and Field in February 18-27 in Gainesville, FL, and the Indoor World Masters Track and Field Championships in March 18-26. Her advice to others who may have similar aspirations as she does is to have fun with it. “Everyone wants to perform well, but the most important thing is to have fun with it. Also, try to stay disciplined. Many of my Masters Track and Field friends say, “health is wealth”. Competing and training are healthy ways to stay active as we get older.”
