LOCAL EDUCATION NEWS — Not only can Motlow State Woman’s Basketball Head Coach Kezia Conyers get the most out of her players, but she’s also an author of three published books, including one set to be released this fall.

She came to Motlow in 2019 and was formerly an assistant coach at South Georgia Tech. A native of Tallahassee, Fl., Conyers is no stranger to the game. She played basketball at ASU where she was awarded the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year for 2002-03, the ASU Women’s Basketball MVP for 2004-05, and MVP again in 2005-06. Conyers was also named All-Southern Conference for 2005-06.

Conyers received her Master’s degree in Recreation and Sport Sciences from Ohio University and has been coaching basketball at various levels for more than 10 years. She previously was the guard development coach at Tallahassee Community College.  She also was an assistant basketball coach and Intramural Director at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, as well as assistant coach at Maclay High School and FAMU High School in Tallahassee.

“I love what I do because it provides me the opportunity to engage with our future leaders of the world,” said Conyers. “Yes, they are playing basketball. Some of them will become teachers, business owners, lawyers, authors, basketball coaches, song writers, musicians, and so much more.”

She describes her books as giving a blueprint on how to move forward, including what to do or not to do once an athlete’s playing career is over. Her published works are titled: Go Beyond: Intimate perspectives from former athletes on how to win at life as well as Coaching from the heart: The greatest untold stories. Her newest book set to release soon is titled Go Beyond Part II: The Final Play.

“As I was growing in coaching, I realized that I could positively affect athletes in a different manner,” she said. “The tribulations we go through can be used as a testimony to help someone else. I’m fully aware my position as a basketball coach extends beyond the court. I’m here to assist former and next generation athletes to find success in life after sports.”

Conyers has a passion for helping athletes recognize that their purpose in life stretches far beyond the athletic realm. To do this, she founded the Go Beyond Sports Network, an organization for athletes, former athletes, coaches, and administrators to share and connect. She wants to use her platform to share her experiences and insight, as well as to motivate athletes to have a plan for life after sports.

“Often times athletes have a hard time adjusting, or figuring out what’s next in life after their playing career is over. As a former athlete myself, I understand this journey. I believe it is a part of my responsibility to serve athletes in any capacity I can,” she said. “Everyone’s journey is different; the key is to just move forward.”

Conyers will begin her third season as head coach when her Lady Bucks host the UT-Southern junior varsity Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Copperweld Arena on Motlow’s Moore County campus. All of her books can be purchased on Amazon.•

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