Jamila Wilson is again at Alcovy Excessive College to steer a brand new group of Woman Tigers in 2026-27.
Final month, Wilson notified The Covington Information that she would formally be the brand new head coach of the varsity’s flag soccer workforce — a program that began only a yr prior.
Wilson, a 2017 graduate of Alcovy, shared her ideas concerning the place and the way it got here to be.
“I had no thought Alcovy was in search of a flag soccer coach,” Wilson mentioned. “On the time, the athletic director approached me and requested me if I’d be thinking about main this system. As a substitute of instantly saying sure, I requested for the weekend to suppose and pray about it. I do not consider in saying sure to each alternative solely as a result of it is offered to it. I perceive the duty it takes in main younger folks and I needed to verify I used to be approaching it for the correct causes.
“Trying again, I by no means acquired an enormous signal or affirmation. What I had was religion. Religion is believing within the factor you may’t see and I felt led to step out, belief the method, and consider that the availability and preparation will observe.”
Wilson was a student-athlete in her personal proper throughout her time at Alcovy, starring in monitor and area and even powder puff — a precursor for the workforce she is now set to teach.
Now, Wilson will tackle her first teaching position again at Alcovy as this system enters yr two for flag soccer. Alongside Wilson would be the college’s monitor and area and cross nation coach, Wymon Kelley Jr., who will function the workforce’s assistant coach.
“I do not come from a conventional teaching background, and that’s what made me taking this place each thrilling and intimidating,” Wilson mentioned. “I performed sports activities rising up…Athletics have at all times been part of my life, however I knew if I used to be going to steer this program I wanted to do the work. Since accepting the place, I’ve spent numerous hours finding out the sport and studying the foundations, watching the movie, researching profitable packages and connecting with individuals who perceive the game.”
In this system’s inaugural season below former head coach Toby Davis, the Woman Tigers completed 6-10-4 and one spot shy of a playoff berth.
By means of her early assembly with the workforce, it’s truthful to say that Wilson has been impressed together with her new roster.
“Actually, I’m in awe of those girls,” Wilson mentioned. “It’s nonetheless very early on, however what stands out to me is how hungry they’re. They present up able to work. They’re attentive and coachable they usually actually wish to get higher. As a primary yr coach constructing a program, that’s actually all you may ask for.”
The Woman Tigers are projected to return a handful of All-Space gamers akin to Italya Montgomery, Milani Baughns, Jatajah Henry, Kamiah Heigh-McLemore, Lauryn Powell, Desiree Turner, Addison Method and Minah Little.
As July nears, Wilson and the workforce have already been arduous at work on the Woman Tigers’ new services. With the season forward within the fall, Wilson pressured that the significance of main by instance and constructing a robust workforce begins on the prime.
“We’re constructing a tradition of discovered excellence,” Wilson mentioned. “I consider athletes will rise and fall to the requirements their leaders set. So in case your commonplace is nice sufficient, their commonplace will finally turn out to be barely sufficient. For those who present up late, they are going to begin believing that displaying up on time is optionally available. For those who reduce corners, they consider in reducing your complete part. My philosophy is easy, I lead from the entrance. When your effort is unmistakably constant and visual, the folks behind you rise.”
