Deanna Jackson - Lead Trainer & Director of Basketball Development and Programming
Deanna Jackson is a native of Plant City, Florida, and began playing basketball at her local recreation and parks department from a young age. She was a multisport athlete (basketball, volleyball, flag football) which grew her love for sport and development.
Her involvement in the Parks and Rec department as a player led to starting her officiating career at age 14, refereeing basketball, flag football, and soccer. She also went on to become a 4-year high school varsity starter for both her volleyball and basketball teams.
Following high school, she went on to earn a degree in Finance at University of South Florida. At the same time, she began coaching basketball in the same Parks and Rec department at age 18, where her teams won multiple league championships. After graduation, Deanna became a middle school math teacher and started coaching her middle school’s basketball, volleyball and track & field teams. During her 8 year tenure of coaching middle school boys basketball and AAU club teams, several of her former athletes went on to play collegiately. Her middle school boys teams won 7 county championships during that time.
As if coaching and teaching wasn’t enough for her, Deanna also officiated high school basketball concurrently. Her officiating skills soon earned her the opportunity to officiate women’s basketball on the collegiate level, continuing to move up through the college ranks. Deanna now officiates in 12 NCAA Division I women’s basketball conferences, also officiating in the Division 2 Elite Eight in 2018 and two appearances in the prestigious Division 1 NCAA Tournament. She continues to also teach high school Algebra 1 virtually.
Deanna has recently found her love for 3x3 basketball, which is now in its second appearance as an Olympic summer sport. She became a certified FIBA (International Basketball Federation) 3x3 basketball official in 2022, and travels internationally to officiate the FIBA 3x3 basketball leagues during the summer months. In summer 2024, Deanna was chosen as the only 3x3 basketball official to represent the USA in the Paris Olympics!
Deanna is excited to share her passion for all aspects of basketball with those around her!
Her involvement in the Parks and Rec department as a player led to starting her officiating career at age 14, refereeing basketball, flag football, and soccer. She also went on to become a 4-year high school varsity starter for both her volleyball and basketball teams.
Following high school, she went on to earn a degree in Finance at University of South Florida. At the same time, she began coaching basketball in the same Parks and Rec department at age 18, where her teams won multiple league championships. After graduation, Deanna became a middle school math teacher and started coaching her middle school’s basketball, volleyball and track & field teams. During her 8 year tenure of coaching middle school boys basketball and AAU club teams, several of her former athletes went on to play collegiately. Her middle school boys teams won 7 county championships during that time.
As if coaching and teaching wasn’t enough for her, Deanna also officiated high school basketball concurrently. Her officiating skills soon earned her the opportunity to officiate women’s basketball on the collegiate level, continuing to move up through the college ranks. Deanna now officiates in 12 NCAA Division I women’s basketball conferences, also officiating in the Division 2 Elite Eight in 2018 and two appearances in the prestigious Division 1 NCAA Tournament. She continues to also teach high school Algebra 1 virtually.
Deanna has recently found her love for 3x3 basketball, which is now in its second appearance as an Olympic summer sport. She became a certified FIBA (International Basketball Federation) 3x3 basketball official in 2022, and travels internationally to officiate the FIBA 3x3 basketball leagues during the summer months. In summer 2024, Deanna was chosen as the only 3x3 basketball official to represent the USA in the Paris Olympics!
Deanna is excited to share her passion for all aspects of basketball with those around her!
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Kelsey Harris - Lead Trainer & Director of Basketball Development
Kelsey Harris is a native of Gastonia, NC, but has called the Triad home for the last 8 years. Basketball has been her first love from a young age - attending Charlotte Sting and Charlotte Hornet games were a favorite part of her childhood! Kelsey played for several recreational and church leagues as a child, eventually working her way up to her middle school and high school teams. As a senior at Forestview High School, her team won the 3A state championship in 2010, with Kelsey earning Most Outstanding Player. Kelsey also played AAU basketball from 7th grade until 12th grade, helping her hone her skills and earn a full scholarship to Elon University.
While at Elon, Kelsey played significant minutes as a 4-year starter, scoring 1,000 points and earning All-Conference Honors as a senior in 2014. She went on to earn two Bachelor’s degrees in Sport Management and Psychology from Elon University in 2014.
After graduating from Elon University, Kelsey was selected to be a part of the Sport Changes Life program based in Ireland. Kelsey was able to pursue her Master’s degree at the University of Limerick (Ireland), while also coaching several youth club basketball teams and playing professionally for the local women’s professional team, the Limerick Huskies. While in Ireland, Kelsey also coached the University of Limerick Women’s Basketball Team for the 2015-16 season while finishing her Master’s degree. She earned her Master’s in International Business in January 2016.
Post-Ireland, Kelsey continued to stay involved in basketball through working in college athletics. She spent time at the NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis and at the ACC Conference Office in Greensboro, NC. She was a key staff member and organizer for the ACC women’s basketball tournament from 2018-2023. Currently, Kelsey is an NCAA Women’s Basketball Official and adjunct professor at Elon University. She loves to give back to the sport of basketball in any way possible. She consistently says that coaching and officiating are the next best ways to stay involved with a sport once your playing days are over!
Forestview High School (2006-2010)
Elon University (2010-2014)
Post-Graduate Playing and Coaching
While at Elon, Kelsey played significant minutes as a 4-year starter, scoring 1,000 points and earning All-Conference Honors as a senior in 2014. She went on to earn two Bachelor’s degrees in Sport Management and Psychology from Elon University in 2014.
After graduating from Elon University, Kelsey was selected to be a part of the Sport Changes Life program based in Ireland. Kelsey was able to pursue her Master’s degree at the University of Limerick (Ireland), while also coaching several youth club basketball teams and playing professionally for the local women’s professional team, the Limerick Huskies. While in Ireland, Kelsey also coached the University of Limerick Women’s Basketball Team for the 2015-16 season while finishing her Master’s degree. She earned her Master’s in International Business in January 2016.
Post-Ireland, Kelsey continued to stay involved in basketball through working in college athletics. She spent time at the NCAA Headquarters in Indianapolis and at the ACC Conference Office in Greensboro, NC. She was a key staff member and organizer for the ACC women’s basketball tournament from 2018-2023. Currently, Kelsey is an NCAA Women’s Basketball Official and adjunct professor at Elon University. She loves to give back to the sport of basketball in any way possible. She consistently says that coaching and officiating are the next best ways to stay involved with a sport once your playing days are over!
Forestview High School (2006-2010)
- Team won the school’s first-ever North Carolina 3A girls’ basketball state championship in 2010
- Voted Most Outstanding Player of the North Carolina 2010 State Championship Game
- 4-time selection to the All-Gaston Gazette First Team
- Earned All-Conference, All-Region and All-District distinctions all 4 years of high school
- Participated in the highly prestigious NC East-West All Star Game in summer of
- Selected as Forestview Athlete of the Year in 2008, 2009, and 2010
- Member of the 2009 Western Regional All-Tournament team
- Earned full athletic scholarship to Elon University
Elon University (2010-2014)
- Scored over 1,000 points during her Elon career
- All-SoCon Tournament Team selection in 2014
- Voted to the All-Conference SoCon team by both the coaches and media in 2014
- Led the team in scoring, steals, and assists in 2013-14
- Selected as team MVP and Offensive MVP in 2014
Post-Graduate Playing and Coaching
- Participated in the Sport Changes Life program as a Victory Scholar, which allowed her to coach and play professionally in Limerick, Ireland
- Coached the University of Limerick collegiate women’s basketball team in 2015-16
- Coached for the UL Huskies Club youth girls’ basketball program with ages 7-13 from 2014-2016
- Played basketball professionally in Limerick, Ireland, for the UL Huskies from 2014-2016
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Stephan Eusebe - Lead Trainer
Stephan Eusebe is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, where he developed his passion for basketball at a young age. Growing up, Stephan honed his skills in local recreation centers and youth leagues, quickly establishing himself as a standout player in the competitive Boston basketball scene.
In high school, Stephan made an immediate impact, leading his team to an undefeated season as a freshman. By his junior and senior years, he had racked up numerous All-Conference honors and earned multiple Team MVP awards, cementing his reputation as a versatile and dynamic player.
After showcasing his abilities on various college campuses in Connecticut, Stephan took a break from basketball to explore other pursuits. However, his love for the game never faded, and he eventually returned to basketball as a trainer. This return marked a turning point in his life, as he discovered a deep passion for teaching the game and helping others grow both on and off the court.
Stephan’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach that emphasizes fundamentals, mental toughness, discipline, and character development. He has worked with athletes of all ages, from beginners learning the basics to advanced players refining their skills. His training programs focus on improving offensive awareness, defensive techniques, and overall basketball IQ while fostering leadership and teamwork.
As a strength and conditioning specialist, Stephan also incorporates performance training into his sessions, helping athletes enhance their athleticism, prevent injuries, and achieve peak physical fitness. His dedication to continuous improvement and modern training methods ensures that the athletes he trains are equipped to excel in today’s fast-paced game.
Stephan is excited to bring his energy, expertise, and passion to Baller Academy, where he is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of players to reach their full potential on and off the court.
In high school, Stephan made an immediate impact, leading his team to an undefeated season as a freshman. By his junior and senior years, he had racked up numerous All-Conference honors and earned multiple Team MVP awards, cementing his reputation as a versatile and dynamic player.
After showcasing his abilities on various college campuses in Connecticut, Stephan took a break from basketball to explore other pursuits. However, his love for the game never faded, and he eventually returned to basketball as a trainer. This return marked a turning point in his life, as he discovered a deep passion for teaching the game and helping others grow both on and off the court.
Stephan’s coaching philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach that emphasizes fundamentals, mental toughness, discipline, and character development. He has worked with athletes of all ages, from beginners learning the basics to advanced players refining their skills. His training programs focus on improving offensive awareness, defensive techniques, and overall basketball IQ while fostering leadership and teamwork.
As a strength and conditioning specialist, Stephan also incorporates performance training into his sessions, helping athletes enhance their athleticism, prevent injuries, and achieve peak physical fitness. His dedication to continuous improvement and modern training methods ensures that the athletes he trains are equipped to excel in today’s fast-paced game.
Stephan is excited to bring his energy, expertise, and passion to Baller Academy, where he is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of players to reach their full potential on and off the court.
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