LADYi Got Skills

LADYi Got Skills is a youth enrichment program that infuses the principles of sports to increase youth engagement academically, in career training, and beyond. LADYi Got Skills student participants will develop transferable skills such as confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and determination.

VISION

LADYi Got Skills develops athletes into leaders, role models, and community changers.

Athletes will recognize that their purpose extends beyond the court, empowering them to positively impact their communities.

    • Social & Emotional Development

    • Community & Cultural Engagement

    • Academic Support & Mentoring

    • Time Management & Life Skills Training

    • 95% student participation in mentoring programs

    • 80% increase in classroom engagement

    • 80% improvement in school attendance

    • 75% reduction in disciplinary behaviors

    • 95% internship/externship placement

  • Research confirms that students in sports and extracurricular activities have:

    • Higher GPAs & lower dropout rates

    • Increased leadership, teamwork, and time management skills

    • Reduced likelihood of risky behaviors

    • Greater long-term success in careers and college readiness

REQUIREMENTS

These requirements do not apply to middle school participants. They will be evaluated individually.

    • Maintain a minimum GPA (commonly 2.5–3.0 or higher, depending on NCAA guidelines).

    • Stay on track with NCAA core course requirements (English, math, science, social studies, and electives).

    • Take the SAT/ACT (if required by NCAA or target schools).

    • Attend regular study halls/tutoring sessions provided by the program.

    • Demonstrate exceptional skill in their sport (evaluated through tryouts, highlight film, or coach recommendations).

    • Participate in strength & conditioning programs to meet D1 physical benchmarks.

    • Commit to program practices, training sessions, and tournaments/showcases.

    • Maintain peak performance in both on and off the court in-season and off-season development.

    • Exhibit coachability, discipline, and strong work ethic.

    • Show leadership and teamwork on and off the court/field.

    • Uphold sportsmanship and respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, and referees.

    • Adhere to a code of conduct—no drugs, alcohol, or behavior that could damage reputation or eligibility.

    • Attend workshops on time management, nutrition, mental health, and leadership.

    • Participate in college readiness training (recruiting process, scholarship awareness, communication with coaches).

    • Engage in community service/volunteer work to build character and college application strength.

    • Parents/guardians attend orientation sessions to understand NCAA eligibility, recruiting, and program expectations.

    • Commitment to supporting the athlete’s academic, athletic, and personal development journey.

    • Create and update a recruiting portfolio (highlight film, stats, resume).

    • Work with a sports psychologist/mentor to prepare for the pressures of D1 and professional sports.

    • Financial readiness to cover travel, showcase, and tournament costs (or demonstrate need for sponsorship/aid)

SIGN-UP

If you’re interested in being a part of the LADYi Got Skills program, fill out this Google Form and we’ll be in touch!

TESTIMONIALS

ISAIAH BRISCOE
Brother

My sister is relentless, it was an honor to watch and see her determination on and off the court. With her having the mental focus I saw how far it took her. I had no choice but to follow in her footsteps! My sister’s determination helped me become the person I am today. I learned so much from my sister, and because I witnessed it first-hand it helped me to pursue my dream. I just completed my rookie year playing in the NBA with Orlando Magic. I would not be here if I did not have a great role model as a sister. She showed me the way and now I am living out my dream.

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HANNAH
College Player at NJCU

I always tell Iasia, I will never forget the first time I met you. Soon as she walked in the room, you could see how fierce she was in her eyes and how passionate she was about what she does. “I’m about business but off the court you bet I’ll always be there.” This phenomenal woman is about her word. Since day one, she’s been there, no hesitation. A mentor, a coach, a big sister is what I got and I’m so proud of her. She’s patient, bright, and real. Coach I has definitely made a positive impact on my life and I appreciate her every day for that. You deserve it all.

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MORIYAH
Mentee

Iasia changed my life in so many ways. I learned so much from her, not only about basketball but about life, in general. She opened up so many doors for me & I was always allowed to be my raw and uncut self around her because she understands me. Iasia is not only a mentor to me but she’s like a big sister that’s always there to help me out of sticky situations and guide me towards success. I thank God for Iasia, I do not know where I'd be if it weren't for her direction & support.

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NAOMI
West Side High School Student,
will be attending NJCU

Ms. Iasia Hemingway is one of a kind. She is very generous, sweet and so much more. You would never find another Iasia Hemingway. Her love for the people around her is unconditional. She pushes everyone to their best potential. She is always the one to listen but will always let you know the real. One thing I adore about Ms. Hemingway is that she believes in everybody. She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself which means the absolute most to me. Even when I feel as though I have no potential, she sees it in me. Her love is genuine; her personality is something you could never imagine. I love her for who she is and who she made me become.

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COACH GEORGE BRISCOE
Father

In honor of this great accomplishment I would like to humbly express my daughter's greatest attribute that makes her more than deserving of this induction. Of course, all the accomplishments and awards stand out but as her Dad what I'm most proud of is her commitment to her community and the youth of Newark. I attribute good parenting, athletics, and community for the accomplished young lady that she is today.

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