November 15 marked the day that Flower Mound’s head Lady Jag’s basketball coach, Sherika Nelson, accumulated her 100th win when the Flower Mound Lady Jags defeated the Lake Ridge Lady Eagles, 59-24.
Nelson started her playing career at Aubrey High School, and later went on to play for Marcus High School in 1995. During her time at Marcus she played not only basketball, but also tennis and softball. She received many basketball awards there, including Newcomer of the Year, Best Offensive Player, Area MVP, 1st team All-District, and 1st team All-State.
Nelson went on to play basketball for the University of Texas in San Antonio. To date, she still holds the record for most 3-pointers during a half, 6. Nelson finished her playing career at the University of North Texas.
After her playing career, Nelson felt she was pressed to spread her passion for the game to players that would hopefully follow in her footsteps.
Nelson began her coaching career in 2003 at FMHS as an assistant coach. During her assistant coaching career, the Lady Jags reached the Regional Semi-Finals in 2004 and won their first District title in 2005.
Nelson started her head-coaching career in the 2007-2008 season. Her first win as head coach was over Keller Fossil Ridge, 71-67.
Many of the team’s wins over the years have not been easy.
“We always try to go into a game with a positive mindset, believing we’ll come out on top,” Nelson said. “By the end of the first quarter of the Lake Ridge game, we had hit double digits. After that, we knew we had that match.”
After spending 4 seasons with Nelson, senior guard Ashley Deary reflected after Nelson’s 100th win.
“She really enforces the little things, like blocking out or talking on defense,” Deary said. “Her passion for the game really motivates us players.”
New to the team, freshman post Lauren Cox already feels the passion that Nelson spreads.
“Coach always knows what to do at the right times during the games,” Cox said.
Nelson’s love of the game has spread from her past players to her present team, and she is hopeful to continue on her path of success.
