Coach Carrie and Brooklyn Girls Reclaim the Game
Byline: Alesha Smith
Director, PeacePlayers Brookly
At gyms where girls once sat on the sidelines, Coach Carrie has created a new culture—one fearless practice at a time.
May 7, 2025
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As a lead coach-mentor of the PeacePlayers Brooklyn Girls’ Program, Coach Carrie has played a pivotal role in growing the game of basketball among young women in central Brooklyn. Many of these girls come into our program after being told by boys that they’re not good enough, or because where they live, there are simply no safe spaces for them to play. Coach Carrie has worked tirelessly to create an environment where these girls not only feel safe but are also empowered to take ownership of the game. She pushes them beyond what they believe they are capable of and teaches them not to fear making mistakes, helping them let go of the need for perfection. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges they face, Coach Carrie inspires them to believe in their abilities and demonstrates that basketball is for everyone, regardless of background or experience. Her approach has transformed how these young women see themselves, not just as casual players, but as serious athletes who truly belong in this space.
Coach Carrie shares: “Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of sport — not just in building skills on the court but in shaping character, fostering resilience, and creating community. Coaching these young athletes has been more than teaching basketball; it’s been about instilling values, sparking potential, and empowering them to reach heights they never thought possible. This work reminds me every day that by nurturing confidence and character as a coach, we’re building responsible and reliable future leaders.”
Many of our girls, who once thought basketball wasn’t for them, have gone on to make their varsity basketball teams as freshmen, and we even have girls now playing at the college level. Coach Carrie has provided them with the tools, encouragement, and confidence to succeed both on the court and in life. Through her mentorship, she is breaking down the barriers that often prevent young women from pursuing sports, ensuring that they understand their potential is limitless.
