Reloaded Baseball programme players compete over the weekend in the Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship (Open) at the Boombah Sports Complex. Photo: Antonio Rahming/Reloaded Baseball

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER competing in their first international tournament, many of the Reloaded Baseball team members thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural experience. The 30-member team wrapped up their two-day competition in Sanford, Florida at the Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship (Open) this past weekend.

#Both 9-and under (9U) and 10-and under (10U) teams enjoyed a nine-day trip to Orlando, Florida filled with camaraderie, fun, as well as developement.

#Ethan Burnside, a member of the 10U team, shared his experience after nine days with his teammates.

#“I liked that the teams were very competitive and I was challenged in my baseball skills. I cannot wait to return home for my Reloaded developmenet and to return to another tournament,” Burnside said.

#Among the other teammates to enjoy the combined experience were Casey Hanna and Nathan Alleyne. Hanna said he felt the experience was very good and he especially loved being with his friends in the tournament and travelling with them.

#One of his favourite aspects of the international tournament was being able to train and he was happy with the coaches that helped him with catching and showing him how to steal bases.

#Meanwhile, Alleyne said despite not winning any games, he was happy to get the experience of his first international tournament.

#“I enjoyed the tournament a lot. I am just kind of sad that we lost all our games but I had a fun time with the training in a real tournament. I am glad that I at least got to play and I love that our coaches helped us out. I feel like I got a good experience travelling to Orlando for the first time for a baseball tournament,” Alleyne said.

#The young baseball players were also accustomed to regular daily meals courtesy of Blue Plate Catering. While commuting back and forth for training and tournament play, the company prepared nutritional breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the entire trip, making the experience one of a kind.

#Sion Robinson, who plays first and third base, said the meals were one of his favourite parts of the trip. “I think it was good, the meals were great and everything on this trip was good. The tournament was a fun and great experience to have with my teammates,” Robinson said.

#Chef Osborne Pintard and Jamaal Russell of Blue Plate Catering described the experience as a challenging but fulfilling one.

#With only two chefs preparing 27 different meals for 30 different people, they talked about how it felt.

#“Twenty-seven meals over a period of nine days was kind of challenging but fun because kids are picky eaters and usually stick to one particular diet, but we tried to keep it fun and nutritional,” Pintard said.

#He added that timing and logistics were some of the most challenging parts, especially on days when the kids had tournaments at far locations.

#Overall, chefs Pintard and Russell enjoyed their culinary experience and look forward to cooking it up at future tourneys.

#International Sports Academy and the Reloaded Baseball programme provided housing, food and transportation for the entire 30-member team and their guardians in efforts to facilitate their development on the international level.

#I-Elite and the Reloaded programme will continue to collaborate, develop and prepare young talent for international tournaments.

Reloaded Baseball programme players compete over the weekend in the Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship (Open) at the Boombah Sports Complex. Photo: Antonio Rahming/Reloaded Baseball

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#AFTER competing in their first international tournament, many of the Reloaded Baseball team members thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural experience. The 30-member team wrapped up their two-day competition in Sanford, Florida at the Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship (Open) this past weekend.

#Both 9-and under (9U) and 10-and under (10U) teams enjoyed a nine-day trip to Orlando, Florida filled with camaraderie, fun, as well as developement.

#Ethan Burnside, a member of the 10U team, shared his experience after nine days with his teammates.

#“I liked that the teams were very competitive and I was challenged in my baseball skills. I cannot wait to return home for my Reloaded developmenet and to return to another tournament,” Burnside said.

#Among the other teammates to enjoy the combined experience were Casey Hanna and Nathan Alleyne. Hanna said he felt the experience was very good and he especially loved being with his friends in the tournament and travelling with them.

#One of his favourite aspects of the international tournament was being able to train and he was happy with the coaches that helped him with catching and showing him how to steal bases.

#Meanwhile, Alleyne said despite not winning any games, he was happy to get the experience of his first international tournament.

#“I enjoyed the tournament a lot. I am just kind of sad that we lost all our games but I had a fun time with the training in a real tournament. I am glad that I at least got to play and I love that our coaches helped us out. I feel like I got a good experience travelling to Orlando for the first time for a baseball tournament,” Alleyne said.

#The young baseball players were also accustomed to regular daily meals courtesy of Blue Plate Catering. While commuting back and forth for training and tournament play, the company prepared nutritional breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the entire trip, making the experience one of a kind.

#Sion Robinson, who plays first and third base, said the meals were one of his favourite parts of the trip. “I think it was good, the meals were great and everything on this trip was good. The tournament was a fun and great experience to have with my teammates,” Robinson said.

#Chef Osborne Pintard and Jamaal Russell of Blue Plate Catering described the experience as a challenging but fulfilling one.

#With only two chefs preparing 27 different meals for 30 different people, they talked about how it felt.

#“Twenty-seven meals over a period of nine days was kind of challenging but fun because kids are picky eaters and usually stick to one particular diet, but we tried to keep it fun and nutritional,” Pintard said.

#He added that timing and logistics were some of the most challenging parts, especially on days when the kids had tournaments at far locations.

#Overall, chefs Pintard and Russell enjoyed their culinary experience and look forward to cooking it up at future tourneys.

#International Sports Academy and the Reloaded Baseball programme provided housing, food and transportation for the entire 30-member team and their guardians in efforts to facilitate their development on the international level.

#I-Elite and the Reloaded programme will continue to collaborate, develop and prepare young talent for international tournaments.

 Home|Sports|Culmer-Taylor making waves in swimmingSports

She becomes first Bahamian woman to officiate at the world championships

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 2, 2023 23 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas had four swimmers in the pool at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, but on the deck of the Marine Fukuoka Hall A making history for the country was Gena Culmer-Taylor as the first Bahamian female to officiate at a world championships in swimming.

To the spectators who frequent the pool at local meets at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex in Nassau, Culmer-Taylor is no stranger as she could be be heard on the megaphone frequently, starting races. She is a staple to the swimming community in The Bahamas and she said it was a great experience for her in Japan.

Culmer-Taylor has been officiating for 10 years and had a busy time at the eight-day world championships that ended on Sunday as she was on deck for all of the sessions – morning and night.

“This has been an amazing experience. I am proud to represent Bahamas Aquatics and The Bahamas at the world championships. I am committed to helping more Bahamian females advance as World Aquatics certified officials,” Culmer-Taylor said.

Her duties included working in the call room, turn judge on both the start and turn side of the pool, and chief inspector of turn on the start side.

Culmer-Taylor is no stranger to officiating at international competitions as she served during the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Willemstad, Curaçao, earlier this year.

Culmer-Taylor has been involved in the sport for more than 25 years and is a current executive on the Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s board, serving her first term as a member-at-large. She thanked Bahamas Aquatics Federation President Algernon Cargill for supporting her in advancing the sport. She is the mother of national record holder Lamar Taylor who was in action at the world championships.

Apart from Taylor, the team included Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson, DaVante Carey and Rhanishka Gibbs. Overall, there were five national records broken – three individual and two relays. There were seven personal best times recorded and each of the four Bahamian swimmers set at least one personal best time.

A total of 10 world records were broken at the meet and there were 2,361 total athletes from 191 countries and also the World Aquatics Refugee Team.

 Home|Sports|Eastwood Judo Club wins medals at US OpenSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 2, 2023 15 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Eastwood Judo Club experienced action at the US Open Judo Championships at the Great Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over the weekend.

There were some strong performances from the judokas and they came away from the tournament with a number of medals. Making the trip were Kemuel Sterling (bantam over 44 kg.), Keilesha Saunders (juvenile under 53 kg.), Tyrique Moss (juvenile under 64 kg.), Kevin Sterling (juvenile under 48 kg.), Kevinique Sterling (cadet under 70 kg.), Noah Sweeting (cadet under 73 kg.) and Xavion Johnson (cadet under 60 kg.).

Johnson, one of the top junior judokas in the country, secured the first medal which was a gold in his category. He went up against American Matthew Marczydlo. He won all of his matches via ippon. The Bahamian won his opening match against opponent Samuel Roberge-Poitras and then took care of his next opponent Gagik Amirkhanyan. In the quarterfinals, he won over his opponent Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, setting up a semifinal match against Brazilian Augusto Kuniyoshi. Johnson won that match in 1:49.

Kemuel Sterling won a silver medal, going up against two competitors in the golden score events. He opened his competition with a win over Mark Phillips, winning via wazari. He lost his next fight via wazari to Khachik Levonyan.

Also winning a silver medal in the gold score event was Saunders. She competed in two rounds against Rhadi Ferguson – the only other competitor in that division – in a best-of-three format. Saunders put up a fight but lost both matches via wazari.

Kevinique Sterling was on mat six in the gold score in the cadet female heavy division. Her division had two other competitors and she came away with a silver medal with a 1-1 win/loss record. Her only victory came against Canadian Elizabeth Cossitt via ippon. Her loss came against the gold medal winner, Ester Robeiro.

Sweeting finished seventh in his division. He opened the competition with a tough loss against Jared Navarro in an 18-second ippon loss. He opened the repechage with a win via ippon against Puerto Rican Heakey Rivera and in his next match he took care of Tigran Galstian by way of wazari. He then lost against Canadian Jacob Arabov by way of ippon.

Moss got a bye in his division in the first round but lost in the quarterfinals against American Miles Broz. He lost his repechage against Armen Khayalya and placed ninth.

Kevin Sterling placed 17th overall in his division. He lost both of his fights.

 Home|Sports|AID Clay Court Championships set to start next weekendSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 2, 2023 14 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The 29th edition of the AID Clay Court Tennis Championships will be held at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows, from August 12-26.

The “AID”, as the tournament is known as, is one of the most popular events on the local tennis calendar and will offer singles and doubles competitions in 10 categories. The categories are gentlemen’s and ladies open singles and doubles, gentlemen’s and ladies 35-and-over singles and doubles and mixed doubles. Additionally, boys and girls under-16 singles will be held for the younger players.

President of the Gym Tennis Club and Tournament Director Eddie Carter recently released a statement on the tournament.

He said: “‘The Gym is again happy to host this amazing tournament and we are grateful to AID for their usual generous sponsorship. We look forward to the keen competition and camaraderie the tournament is known for.”

President of AID Jason Watson said: “AID is once again delighted to partner with the Gym Tennis Club in hosting this important, national tournament. We look forward to a great fortnight of spirited competition.”

All entrants will receive the usual goody-bag of souvenir items; attractive trophies and other prizes will also be awarded to all winners and runners-up.

The entry deadline is Wednesday August 9 at 6 p.m. and the draws for all divisions will take place at the Gym Tennis Club the following day, starting at 6 p.m.

Entries can be returned by e-mail to the address aidclaycourts@hotmail.com or delivered to the Gym Tennis Club before the deadline. Participants may enter a maximum of three divisions.

Entry fees are $20 for each singles registration and $10 per player for each doubles registration with juniors paying half price for all divisions registered for.

 Home|Sports|CARIFTA’s 2023 triathlon to be hosted in Nassau in AugustSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 2, 2023 12 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Triathlon Association (BTA) is delighted to announce that it has successfully won the bid to host the highly anticipated CARIFTA 2023 Triathlon Championships. The event, organized under the theme “Sports in Paradise”, will take place on August 26th and 27th, 2023, at Goodman’s Bay.

“We are so excited to host the CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon for the first time in Nassau,” expressed Lori Roach, BTA secretary general. “We had previously won the bid for 2020, but had to postpone due to the global pandemic. Since then, we have been anxiously waiting for our time to come, and it’s finally here.”

Anticipating the participation of approximately 200 youth athletes, ranging from 11 to 21 years old and representing ten Caribbean countries, the BTA is eagerly preparing to welcome both national and regional guests to this prestigious event. As the host venue, Goodman’s Bay will provide a stunning backdrop for the competitions, showcasing the beauty of The Bahamas.

The BTA extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors who have already contributed to making the event happen, including long-time triathlon supporter Bahamas Waste, Shoreline Distributors and Caribbean Bottling Company.

“We’re thrilled to come on board as one of the sponsors for the CARIFTA Triathlon,” said Jadrian Turnquest, marketing manager for Caribbean Bottling Company. “It’s always encouraging to see the discipline and commitment that our young athletes display, and we are humbled to have been able to support them. Rehydration is extremely important when competing in any event, so we are very pleased to have provided Powerade and Dasani to all the athletes who are participating.”

While the CARIFTA Triathlon Championships will be free for the public to attend and spectate, it is important to note that there will be road closures in effect. “We want to advise everyone to be mindful of the traffic diversions during the event weekend,” added Roach. “We are also thankful to Baha Mar, which has graciously granted the use of their parking lot located on the roundabout by Breezes, which will serve as the host hotel.”

The BTA is continuing to work towards the August event along with the Ministry of Sports, but is still seeking assistance from the corporate community and individuals interested in supporting this significant event for the country. “It’s going to take a lot to make this event happen and to put on a good show to our fellow CARIFTA athletes, so we encourage anyone interested in volunteering to reach out to the BTA, secretary@bahamastriathlon.com or Barefoot Marketing for sponsorship opportunities,” said Roach.

 Home|Sports|Bastian retires from international swimmingSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 1, 2023 108 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian Olympian swimmer, one of The Bahamas’ best ever, has called it a day as it relates to his participation in international competition. Izaak Bastian has officially retired, making the announcement in a press statement.

The 22-year-old graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Athletic Training with Pre-Physical Therapy from Florida State University (FSU) in 2022. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers, Florida.

“I have found myself at a crossroads in my life, where emotions are both bittersweet and overwhelming,” Bastian said in the statement. “After much contemplation, I have made the difficult decision to step back from competitive swimming at the international level for the foreseeable future as I switch my focus toward pursuing my doctorate of physical therapy degree with an anticipated graduation in 2025.”

Bastian holds national records in long and short course meters (m). The breaststroke specialist holds the national record in three breast events long course – the 50m (27.60 seconds), the 100m (1:00.87), and the 200m breast (2:15.14). In short course, he holds the national records in the 50m breast (27.24) and 100m breast (59.61).

“The influence of the media cannot be underestimated, and I am deeply grateful for how you have responsibly reported on the sport, shedding light on the hard work, perseverance, and sacrifices required in the world of competitive swimming,” Bastian said. “I extend my gratitude to all the reporters, photographers, editors, producers, and everyone behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to bring more publicity to the sport and show the hard work of many of the athletes who I have the pleasure of calling my friends.”

Every athlete dreams of representing their country at the Olympics and Bastian did just that at the 2020 Olympic Games that was held in Tokyo, Japan, in 2021, because of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that meet, he swam 2:17.41 in the 200m breast and then he swam a time of 1:01.87 in the 100m breast. His last national team appearance was at the 22nd Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, in 2022.

“To the public, your unwavering support has been a driving force behind my journey,” Bastian said. “Your cheers, encouragement, and support have lifted me through triumphs and challenges. Your belief in me has inspired my pursuit of excellence, and I can’t thank you enough. You all have made this journey extraordinary, and I am forever thankful.”

Apart from swimming at the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, Bastian represented the country twice at the FINA (International Swimming Federation), now World Aquatics, Swimming Championships, twice at the FINA World Junior Swimming Championships, at the FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships, the Youth Olympic Games, the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and multiple times at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

Bastian is one of the most decorated Bahamian swimmers from the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, coming away with numerous records and medals in the different age groups. His first CARIFTA was in 2013, which was held in Kingston, Jamaica. His final CARIFTA was in 2019 at the 34th edition of the event in Wildey, Barbados. He currently holds 11 CARIFTA records that include eight individual and three relay records.

The Bahamian also had a productive career at his alma mater, FSU, where he was the captain for the 2021-2022 season. He has the school’s 100-yard (51.84) and 200-yard (1:53.81) breast records. He was a part of the 200-yard medley relay team that swam a time of 1:23.15 for a school record. He also qualified twice for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Swimming and Diving Championships. He has six All-America honors.

Bastian said that he believes in the up-and-coming swimmers. He has not ruled out coming out of retirement to compete for The Bahamas after he gets his degree. Despite taking a break at that level, he said the chances of returning home to swim at nationals or a weekend meet is high.

 Home|Sports|‘Coach Yo’ to receive Golden Gavel AwardSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 1, 2023 47 1 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian women’s college basketball coach Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin is again in the spotlight.

The woman in charge of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Lady Rebels basketball program is the recipient of the Toastmasters International 2023 Golden Gavel Award. The Lady Rebels have returned to national prominence under McPhee-McCuin’s leadership, advancing to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament in back-to-back years. It’s the first time they accomplished that feat in 18 years.

Throughout her collegiate coaching career, which includes five years at Jacksonville University and another five at Ole Miss, McPhee-McCuin emphasized the importance of community engagement. She has impacted every community in which she has coached, both through service and via dialogue with fans and supporters. McPhee-McCuin puts an emphasis on teaching, 

developing and inspiring through character-building and leadership, as best displayed by her trademark motto ‘#NoCeilings’, which serves as a rallying cry within her.

It emphasizes living life without limits, especially to young women, focusing on what can be achieved on the court and in life. Through her non-profit foundation, No Ceilings with Coach Yo, McPhee-McCuin advocates for child development through education and athletics.

McPhee-McCuin has been featured in major publications such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Athletic. She has also been a featured speaker with organizations such as CBS Sports, NIKE, the NCAA, the Wall Street Journal, and Toastmasters International. She and her husband Kelly McCuin have two daughters, Yasmine and Yuri.

Toastmasters International’s most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel, has been presented annually since 1959. It recognizes an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership. McPhee-McCuin will accept the award and address attendees during a presentation on Friday August 18 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort and Convention Center in Nassau, The Bahamas. She joins an illustrious list of Golden Gavel honorees, including Dr. Kenneth H. Blanchard, Dr. Joyce Brothers, Les Brown, Debbi Fields, Walter Cronkite, Stephen Covey, John C. Maxwell, Anthony “Tony” Robbins and Zig Ziglar.

The 2023 Toastmasters International Convention is set for August 16-19 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort and Convention Center.

The Pastors celebrating their victory over the Politicians as the curtains came down on the annual Peace on da Street Basketball Tournament at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Photo: Dominique Fernander

As of Tuesday, August 1, 2023

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Prime Minister Philip Davis and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg with the Politicians basketball team.

Apostle Carlos Reid celebrating his Pastors’ victory over the Politicians.

NBA superstar Deandre Ayton, of the Phoenix Suns, chatting with Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Prime Minister Philip Davis shares a happy moment with Opposition deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg looks on. Photos: Dominique Fernander

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#It was one of those moments that organiser Apostle Carlos Reid said every basketball player only dreams about.

#Holding onto a wind and a prayer with the game on the line after Clay Sweeting sent it into overtime at 26-26 with a three-pointer, Reid responded with a pair of three-pointers in a 6-3 run to seal a 32-29 victory.

#It was the marquee match-up on Family Night to bring the curtain down on the annual Peace on da Street Basketball Tournament on Sunday night inside the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

#“We live for big games and to be honest, last year I wanted the game to come down to the wire. This year it came down to the wire and all my life I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Reid, a former basketball player turned pastor/preacher/teacher/motivator.

#“I think it was the anointing that made the difference.”

#Reid finished with a game high 13 points, while Pastor Don Clarke added 11 ; Jeffery Rolle had four for the Pastors, who was coached by Pastor Dave Burrows.

#Leonardo Lightbourne scored nine; Opposition Deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright had seven and Quinton Lightbourne chipped in with six for the Politicians, who was coached by Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and also featured Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, who didn’t score.

#Sweeting, the Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera and the Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, scored his only three points on his big basket to go into overtime, but he admitted that he played his best.

#“The goal was to win and also do my best. Pastor Reid played a good game and I had hoped we would be able to shut him down but we didn’t,” Sweeting said. “The Politicians brought their A game and left it all on the court.

#“From last year our loss was so bad and indicative of a group of people who weren’t a team. This year, we showed the spectators and the nation that the Politicians are a team. While we didn’t win the game, we put up a great fight and showed Pastor Reid that we didn’t come to play. We are a force to be reckoned with and next year we’re coming for the whole hog.”

#The game was tied 8-8 at the end of the first quarter before the Politicians took a slim 15-14 margin at the break. Coming out of the locker-room, the Pastors went up 20-19 at the3 end of the third before the Politicians tied it at the end of regulation.

#Among those in attendance was National Basketball Association center DeAndre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns. Ayton is preparing to travel this week with the men’s national team to the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Santiago de Estero, Argentina from August 14-20.

#The Peace on da Street tournament got started on Monday night at the Michael “Scooter” Reid Basketball Courts at the Hope Center. But after being rained out the next three days, organizers were able to complete the games using three courts on Friday and Saturday.

#“We had some challenges this week with the weather. That was God’s doing,” Reid said. “We can’t control that, but overall, I think we had an awesome experience. A lot of people enjoyed it.”

#With the tournament now complete, Reid said their focus will be on putting together a softball tournament before the end of the year for high school teams that will conclude with another showdown between the Politicians and the Pastors.

#“In our country, we are suffering in a lot of ways. Every other day, you are hearing about somebody getting killed,” said Reid, a long-time advocate for youth reform in the country through his Peace on da Street organization.

#“We have to create enough outlets to give people light moments and we accomplished that in this basketball game, so we just have to continue doing that.”

#While there’s a lot of work being done in the communities, Reid said there’s still a lot more to be done to fulfil God’s mandate in being one another’s brother’s keepers and looking out for each other.

Rhema Collins and coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin representing the Bahamas at Ole Miss.

As of Tuesday, August 1, 2023

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Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin and her Ole Miss Lady Rebels basketball team in Rome.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#COACH Yolett McPhee-McCuin, currently on a tour of Italy with her University of Mississippi Lady Rebels basketball programme, including Bahamian rookie Rhema Collins, said she’s excited to be returning home for the 2023 Golden Gala Award on August 18.

#McPhee-McCuin, a native of Grand Bahama, will be honoured by Toastmasters International for turning the Ole Miss women’s basketball programme into national prominence under her leadership since 2018.

#McPhee-McCuin, a former high school and college point guard, will accept the award and address attendees during a presentation at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Resort and Convention Center in Nassau.

#She joins an illustrious list of Golden Gavel honourees, including Dr Kenneth H Blanchard, Dr Joyce Brothers, Les Brown, Debbi Fields, Walter Cronkite, Stephen Covey, John C Maxwell, Anthony (Tony) Robbins and Zig Ziglar.

#“I was definitely honoured, for sure, to receive the award. They caught me by surprise because I didn’t know that Toastmasters had the award and that they would think about honouring me,” stated McPhee-McCuin, as she took a break from her trip in Italy. “I felt great about it and it’s ironic that it’s going to be in the Bahamas. So I will end up getting a free flight home. I appreciate that. It’s always good when you can come home.”

#As for the award, McPhee-McCuin said it’s listed pretty high on her achievement because she didn’t “expect it” and it showed that there is a “variety” because she’s not just a basketball coach, but she can make an impact in her community.

#“It just allows me to continue to expand on my experience and my resume and my legacy, so I’m excited about it. I ‘ve also been very active in the community. I’ve already had one in Mississippi and I will announce one (today) that I will have in Grand Bahama.”

#McPhee-McCiuin, the first Bahamian female player to earn a division one basketball scholarship, coached the Lady Rebels to their first Sweet 16 with 25-9 win-loss record last season as they made their third straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

#Ole Miss rewarded her with a new contract deal that runs through the 2026-27 season. McPhee-McCuin will make $1,035,000 in 2024, joining 11 other college coaches in pulling in a seven-figure salary.

#While she’s happy to have been “paid” for her efforts, McPhee-McCuin noted that the work is just beginning in their quest to continue their path to success at the NCAA level.

#It begins in Rome where McPhee-McCuin said they will play three games against Team Slammers-Iska in Rome, Spanish Select team in Florence and the Italian Select team on the coast of Naples, before they head back to the United States.

#As she looks ahead to the team, McPhee-McCuin said she’s looking forward to integrating Collins into the flow of things with the Rebels women’s team.

#“Rhema is going to be a star. It really depends on how we want to go with her freshman season,” McPhee-McCuin said. “It’s a little too early to say what that will be.

#“But I can tell you one thing, she’s going to be a star. She’s going to bea big time player. I could see her representing the country in the future for sure.”

#The Bahamian public will get an opportunity to see McPhee-McCuin coach Collins and the rest of the Rebels when they return home for the Battle 4 Atlantis in November at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island.

#“We’re looking forward to it,” said McPhee-McCuin, whose Lady Rebels played in an exhibition series at the same venue last November.

#Toastmasters International, in sending the information out on McPgee-McCuin, noted that throughout her coaching career, she impacted every community in which she coached, emphasizing an importance on community engagement, both through service and via dialogue with fans and supporters.

#She puts an emphasis on teaching, developing, and inspiring through character-building and leadership, as best displayed by her trademark motto #NoCeilings, which serves as a rallying cry within her.

NoCeilings emphasizes living life without limits, especially to young women, focusing on what can be achieved on the court and in life. Through her non-profit foundation, No Ceilings with Coach Yo, she advocates for child development through education and athletics.

#McPhee-McCuin has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Athletic. She has also been a feature speaker with organizations such as CBS Sports, NIKE, NCAA,

#The Wall Street Journal, and Toastmasters International. A native of The Bahamas, McPhee-McCuin and her husband, Kelly McCuin, have two daughters: Yasmine and Yuri.

#Toastmasters International’s most prestigious award, the Golden Gavel, has been presented annually since 1959. It recognizes an individual distinguished in the fields of communication and leadership.

#To learn more about Toastmasters’ 2023 International Convention, Aug. 16-19, and obtain a complete schedule of events, including the Opening Ceremonies, Education Sessions, and the World Championship of Public Speaking®, visit toastmasters.org/Convention. The International Convention will be a hybrid event and the public is invited to attend in-person or online.