DETROIT (WXYZ) — She’s a game changer and you’ll likely see her working closely with Detroit Pistons players during games. The team’s assistant athletic trainer is also raising the bar.
She has now become the first African-American woman in league history to assume the role of head coach during a game. Brianna Jefferson is an elite coach, a member of the Pistons organization that is not only making history here in Detroit, but throughout the NBA.
In her first year with the team, she is beaming with pride and full of enthusiasm.
“I think it’s fun. It’s fun. You get to see many of your favorite athletes in a regular role,” said Jefferson. “It’s so funny to think that I’m making history. That’s not what I ever thought I’d be doing.”
Jefferson started out as an intern with the New York Knicks in 2018. His own bravery and determination were evident when he bought a ticket and walked onto the court in a suit to deliver a resume to the head coach.
“He was like, ‘How did you get here?’ I was like, ‘They let me through.’ He said, ‘If you’re brave enough to come here, I’ll interview you on the spot,'” Jefferson recalled.
From there, several stints in the NBA G League from Detroit to California gave the Alabama native with a master’s degree in athletic training a chance to learn the ropes.
7 Action News asked Jefferson, “Do you consider yourself someone who is breaking new ground?”
His answer is simple: “Now that I’m in the profession when young women come up to me, I realize, oh man, there are so many people who look up to me.”
With the Pistons, he’s shattered a roof and really embraces his role. On more than one occasion, she has served as head athletic trainer during games against Charlotte and Milwaukee. She is the first African-American woman to do so in the league.
“Every day, I am in awe. This is like a dream come true. I am someone who has never played basketball a day in his life, he couldn’t make the team. But I am here working with the team and these highly skilled athletes,” he said.
Every day, Jefferson provides care to athletes by helping them with rehabilitation, injury prevention and corrective exercise. Common injuries can include ankle sprains and concussions.
“You need a tight group of people around you to cheer you on when you feel like giving up because it’s a tough role to take on. You have to be determined,” Jefferson said.
Her boss, Jim Scholler, says her focus and determination are only part of what makes her a success.
“In the case where I got caught up in the health and safety protocols myself, she was able and prepared because of all the work she had done to move seamlessly into that position,” Scholler said.
As for the players, she says that the adjustment of having an athletic trainer has been good and she has become more of a big sister to them as part of an organization that values diversity, inclusion and professionalism.
“I always say, ‘Okay, you can be yourself.’ And they say, ‘No, out of respect, Bri, we want to make sure you feel comfortable.’ They give me the same respect as their mom or older sister,” said Jefferson.
She also credits her faith and willingness to step out of her comfort zone as keys to her success.
Jefferson is a hero in more ways than one. During eight years in the army, he also used his skills to provide first aid and life support to soldiers.
Reference-www.wxyz.com