News Summary
Former pro basketball player Orlando Coleman is giving back to his community in Birmingham, Alabama, by mentoring local youth through basketball training sessions at McAlpine Recreation Center. With a strong focus on developing the next generation of athletes, Coleman emphasizes the power of perseverance and mentorship. His educational background in health and human performance supports his training programs, which aim not just to enhance athletic skills but also to foster personal growth and community engagement.
Birmingham, Alabama – Former Pro Basketball Player Orlando Coleman Inspires Local Youth through Training and Mentorship
Orlando Coleman, a former professional basketball player with a notable international career, is championing youth development in Birmingham, Alabama. Coleman, a 2011 graduate of Pleasant Grove High School, has returned to his roots in the Ensley community, where he engages with local youth through basketball training and mentorship.
From Court to Community
After playing professional basketball across various countries including Mexico, Serbia, and Hungary, Coleman’s current focus lies in nurturing the next generation of athletes. He conducts training sessions for approximately 20 local youth at McAlpine Recreation Center in Ensley, running programs Monday through Saturday. Coleman’s journey to this point has been marked by challenges; notably, he did not make his eighth-grade basketball team, which only fueled his determination to improve his skills.
Local Impact and Community Engagement
Growing up near Avenue L and Avenue M in the Ensley Brickyard public housing community, Coleman initially pursued swimming before discovering his passion for basketball. His transfer to Pleasant Grove High School marked a turning point in his career, where he ascended from junior varsity to key player on the varsity team. Alongside teammate Ricky Tarrant, Coleman garnered attention for his talent, ultimately leading him to an international playing career.
With the number of youth sports programs in Birmingham facing various challenges, Coleman’s initiative provides a crucial outlet for local children and teens. Experts highlight the importance of mentorship in sports, noting that positive role models can significantly impact a young athlete’s development, both on and off the court.
Education and Business Ventures
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Coleman holds a master’s degree in health and human performance, which complements his hands-on approach to training. He has also established multiple brands, including #BamaMade and DreaMentali, aiming to inspire and motivate others through his clothing lines. His work reflects a growing trend among athletes to leverage their platforms for social and economic empowerment within their communities.
Future Aspirations
As a father of two daughters, Milani and Miracle, Coleman is deeply invested in his community and expresses the desire to create a dedicated training facility in Birmingham. This gym would serve not only as a space for athletic training but also for community programs designed to uplift local youth.
Policy Implications and Community Development
Coleman’s mentorship efforts align with broader community development initiatives focused on combating youth disconnection and promoting health and fitness. With data indicating rising levels of youth inactivity, programs like Coleman’s contribute to addressing public health concerns while fostering social engagement.
Community stakeholders may look to support Coleman’s vision, as a new gym would potentially become a central hub for youth activities, encouraging physical fitness and offering valuable life skills. Local policymakers could consider strategic partnerships to bolster sports programs, recognizing the dual benefits of athletic participation as a means to promote health and build community resilience.
In the realm of youth sports, Coleman’s narrative serves as a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and mentorship, reflecting a deep commitment not only to basketball but to the holistic development of the youth in his community.
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Orlando Coleman – Business, Basketball, and Back Where It Began
- USA Today: Hawaii Bowl Score Live Updates
- CT Post: Being a Teammate of Jordan – Only Cameo
- Spot on Alabama: Orlando Coleman – Business and Basketball
- Wikipedia: Youth Sports
- Google Search: Mentorship in Youth Sports
- Google Scholar: Community Development in Youth Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Sports
- Google News: Orlando Coleman
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
