Julia Ng defines grace on the court as she started this season on Varsity as a freshman.  Coach Williams says, "Julia's a different kind of Spartan, she's not particularly tough, but her strength is that she's such a graceful shooter." 

Julia was encouraged to come to D1SA from her friend and her friend's persistent father who wanted the girls to play together, says her mom Amy.   Julia started playing for D1SA in the fall of 2013 as an 8th grader.

Julia enjoys volleyball and played on the Freshmen HHS volleyball team this fall but is passionate about basketball. She is a FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) leader at HHS, a part of the Interact Club and involved in the youth group at her church.

Julia says, "D1SA is a family, it is more than a team because you build long lasting friendships beyond the court. Coach Eric cares about me as a person not just a player. He believes that I can go far in my game."

 "D1SA has helped Julia's overall basketball skill," says her mom. "But even more than that she has the confidence to overcome obstacles as they arise. She loves training and jumps at the opportunities to improve her game.  Coach Eric is a true blessing as he coaches, trains and invests in helping Julia achieve her goals to play basketball in college." 

Coach Williams always reminds Julia, "The pathway to greatness is a lonely road."  Her aspiration to play college basketball will be achieved because Julia has determination, a strong work ethic and she's a workaholic," Coach Williams said.  Julia will get there, she's got a bright future, be it basketball or anything she's determined to conquer," Coach Williams adds.

Jayde Pierre, aka "Big Smooth" to all that love him.  Coach Williams gave Jayde that names years ago and said then it was because he's "all finesse, it suits him, but I wish I wouldn't have given him that name so soon.  I want him to be harder, hungry and use what God gave him..." Jayde, an original Spartan is part of the foundation of the D1SA organization.  "I saw something in Jayde that he didn't see in himself when he was in the third grade," Coach Williams said. 

Just completing a personally disappointing season this year as a freshman at Dominion HS, Jayde was honored to make the Varsity team, but upset because as a trained Spartan warrior, he wanted the opportunity to compete.  Jayde said, "Spartan's don't sit on the bench, mom!" 

"Self-discipline, courage and the ability to rise above adversity were all lessons Jayde had to endure this season when he averaged less than two minutes of playing time per game," said his mom Jeri.  But despite the adversities of his high school season, Jayde has something to look forward to in coming home to his Spartan family, his brothers and coach. 

"I was impressed to see that Jayde still has that amazing ability to pass like no player I have ever witnessed and I was even more proud to see my Elite players respond with ease, grace and confidence in one another when they played together for the first time this season," Coach Williams said.   D1SA gave Jayde a foundation, support and a platform to believe in himself.  Jayde's mom reminds him often, "To one much is given much is expected."  God gave you your size and ability, but it's up to you how you use it, she ads.

To know Jayde, who never gets in a hurry for anything, you know you have a friend.  Jayde with his easy-going, happy spirit is an easy leader, but is not boastful or over-confident.  Coach Williams said, "He believes in what we've done.  Jayde thinks at a higher level.  He's become a team builder, looking for outlets and teammates to get his Spartan Elite to that next level," Coach Williams says with a smile.

Jayde had a successful high school football season and rose to the rank of team captain for his freshman team.  "For a big boy, he's agile and quick and has an eye for what's happening on the field at all times," said his football coach. Jayde spends most of his daylight hours thinking, scheming, searching, researching what player has made it to that next level, be it in football or basketball.  Jayde says he wants to play at the college level.  He thinks if he doesn't get taller, then it will have to be football.

"Coach Eric is always there for me and continues to guide me through this process.  I want to be the one," Jayde adds with gleam in his eye.