Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara (Coach Key) Wingfield.
Hi Kiara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started as a volunteer coach at Mansfield Fieldhouse. My cousin who never played basketball before team needed a coach for the season. The name underdogs just popped into my head when asked for a team name.
I am very competitive by nature. We played all eight games with a five-man roster and were able to secure the fourth and final seed of the playoffs in our division. We lost our semifinal game by a small margin. It was a Cinderella feel that entire season. Not only was I inexperienced a lot of the boys I was coaching were as well.
That season gave me the vision and foundation to create what I have today. The purpose of Underdogs Athletics is to allow youth from all walks of life to participate in sports. No matter your skillset or financial situation. The only requirement is the desire to compete.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the journey has been smooth from the perspective of I can do something I am passionate about. The struggle sometimes comes from a lack of funding. I have been fortunate enough to find creative ways to get what is needed.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a nonprofit founder that caters to the youth of Arlington/Grand Prairie/Mansfield, Texas. I provide an outlet for them to play basketball on a rec/auteur level. I challenge them to constantly quest for knowledge. Sport is a universal tool that we can use to teach and learn some of life’s most sacred lessons.
What makes you happy?
Helping others makes me happy. I am naturally a giver so being able to give or help others’ cause always puts a smile on my face. I get joy from seeing others win.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_r_underdogs/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074948315900&ref=wizard
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/weunderdogs
Image Credits
Underdogs Athletics
