GPS Commemorates MLK Day with Inspiring Speech by Shaeeta Brown Williams

On Friday, January 17, GPS honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a heartfelt and impactful presentation by Shaeeta Brown Williams, known to many as Coach Sha. The event, held on campus, highlighted Dr. King’s enduring legacy while inspiring students to embrace their own capacity to make a difference.

Coach Sha’s address, titled “Between Here and There,” emphasized the importance of personal growth, unity, and purposeful action in achieving Dr. King’s dream of equality and justice. She encouraged the GPS community to reflect on their individual roles in creating change and to approach life’s challenges with resilience and determination.

Her speech included personal anecdotes, insights from Dr. King’s life, and even an inspiring reference to Ben Harper’s song “With My Own Two Hands,” which underscored the importance of personal responsibility and action.

“Dr. King’s vision continues to live through us,” Coach Sha said. “The challenge is to ask yourself: What can I do with my own two hands to impact the world? Dream boldly, take purposeful steps, and support one another on the journey from ‘here’ to ‘there.’”

Coach Sha brings a lifetime of achievement and inspiration to her work as a mentor, coach, and community leader. A former multi-sport athlete and salutatorian of her high school class, she earned a basketball scholarship to Duke University, where she achieved both academic and athletic excellence. A knee injury altered her playing career, but it revealed her true calling: coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others.

Coach Sha’s coaching journey has taken her to prestigious programs, including DePaul University, Duke University, the University of Texas, and LSU. She now serves as the Director of Community Engagement for LSU Athletics and as the radio analyst for the 2023 National Champion LSU Women’s Basketball Program on the LSU Sports Radio Network.

Beyond athletics, Coach Sha is the founder of Coach Sha’s Bootcamp, blending fitness and faith to inspire individuals to live with purpose, honor their health, and protect their peace. Her motto, “Peace, Love, and Fitness,” resonates with her mission to add life to years, not just years to life.

Coach Sha’s presentation was punctuated by stories, personal experiences, and insights into Dr. King’s teachings. Her message challenged the audience to:

One of the most memorable moments came when Coach Sha recounted a teammate’s journey from struggle to success, reminding students of the power of encouragement and accountability.

Girls Preparatory School is proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by providing opportunities for meaningful reflection and learning. “Coach Sha’s words served as a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to contribute to making the world a better place,” said Lauren Lawrence Swanson ’09, GPS Director of Student Life and Assistant Dean of Students. “Her message will resonate with our students for years to come.”