Jalessa Smith
Jamaica
31 Years Old
When Jalessa Smith walks on the field she often gets mistaken for one of the young girls she coaches. However, this self-proclaimed shy 31-year-old fully embraces her role as a leader and educator. Jalessa teaches physical education and coaches netball, track and field and football teams to victory. For her, sports have always “been in her blood” and she feels her most comfortable when on the field. Like many athletes, Jalessa says sports and the values she has learned from them, have helped shaped her into a more outgoing and assertive person.
To the children she coaches, Jalessa is a confidant and a mentor. Growing up, she remembers feeling overwhelmed trying to balance her schoolwork, responsibilities at home and sports. However, her love for football was so strong, she would travel for hours and take two buses to and from practice. One day, Jalessa had no choice but to miss practice. The next day, her coach did not let her play and she was crushed. That was a defining moment for Jalessa, and she made a commitment to find a way to always create opportunities for others. Several years later, now a coach herself, she noticed a very reserved student sitting on the sidelines and she encouraged him to join a friendly football game. The boy later told her it was the best day of his life. For Jalessa, that is what coaching is all about: helping others recognize their potential.
