PYB Coach, Jayla Greene, is a few weeks away from wrapping up her second summer with Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB). Growing up Jayla played basketball for Philadelphia Triple Threat’s AAU team, where we played for PYB’s Program Director and Co-Founder, Eric Worley. She recounts how everything came together, “Eric came to me expressing that there was a really great organization that I needed to be more involved with, and I decided to join.” It sounds simple; however, Jayla has dedicated countless hours of hard word to PYB and now, almost two years later, she has emerged as one of PYB’s top program based staff members, a leader within the organization, and a role model for PYB’s student-athletes.
Greene grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and attended Springfield High School in Montgomery County. She then attended Gwynedd-Mercy University (GMU) for two years and played on the GMU Women’s Basketball Team both years, one which resulted in a conference championship. Starting this fall she will be studying Sports Management at Drexel University, which was the location of our fifth Collegiate Summer Camp Series (CSCS) week.
Jayla, who this summer worked as a coach and referee during our CSCS, wants to become a Division 1 College Basketball Head Coach. “I figured out that I was good at understanding the game at a young age. I enjoyed writing up plays and being the leader of my AAU team, and it clicked.” When speaking with Jayla, you can tell how determined she is to achieve her dream. When asked about people who have helped her get closer to her goal of being a coach, she shared that no one has. “I haven’t achieved it yet, and that’s the goal. No one has helped me figure out what I want to do with my life except me.”
When prompted to share what she likes most about PYB, a few things to come to mind. “My favorite part about PYB is the networking aspect. I like meeting people and making connections through PYB, and it has opened multiple doors for me.” In addition, she takes pride in being able to serve the community that made her who she is. “Working with the kids and giving back to the city I grew up in is also something I enjoy.” Greene has completely embraced PYB’s mission over the last two summers through her work at the CSCS. She hopes that her work makes a lasting impact on all of the campers she comes in contact with. “ I feel like a mentor to them, giving the kids someone to look up to. I try to help the kids to become better people, and teach them that they should always strive to reach their fullest potential.”
Written by Harris Edelman, Corporate Intern