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Stephisha is a former PAC-10 competitor and currently the assistant coach at Fremont High School in Oakland, CA. She is looking to transform the world of athletics by helping student-athletes and their parents become better prepared for the recruiting process & journey to college as a student-athlete.
Stephisha is a former PAC-10 competitor and currently the assistant coach at Fremont High School in Oakland, CA. She is looking to transform the world of athletics by helping student-athletes and their parents become better prepared for the recruiting process & journey to college as a student-athlete.
Stephisha has mastered the art of accomplishments and life transitions, which makes her the perfect fit to help others pursue their life purpose, goals and dreams. She founded The Playbook to make a life-changing impact on the scholar-athletes in her community. According to Stephisha, more diversity is needed in the realm of financial education and athletic leadership – and she’s here to provide it!
S.T.E.A.M. Engine Academy
Online Learning
BALL Africa
Global Partnership
Net Worth Sports
Financial Literacy Partner
Bay Area Magic
Founder | Coach | Mentor
APEX Basketball Trainer
Entrepreneurial Partner
Meet The FounderI, Stephisha Ycoy-Walton, am a woman of many stories and adventures. Coming from an athletic background and foundation, I have always been very competitive and I truly believe I can accomplish anything! With the right tools and resources (and sometimes without), I pride myself on making the best of any situation or project because I live by 1 motto:
“Do the most productive thing at any given moment.”
With that being said, I was born in Vallejo, CA to two very amazingly determined and dedicated parents. I am the oldest of my sister, Keerah Walton by 7 years. My mother is a criminal justice major and graduate of Sacramento State University while my father is a real estate investor and serial entrepreneur.
It began at Oregon State University I come from a world of college athletics. In high school I was recruited by over 55 Division 1 & 2 universities with 90% being D1. In November 2004 I signed my national letter of intent with Oregon State University while still on the official visit. I would be brought in by Coach Judy Spoelstra, but eventually coached by Lavanda Wagner and staff.
I did not find a match of energy with that program and transferred in January of 2006 (6 months into my freshman year) to Portland State University where I would have the privilege to play for Coach Charity Elliott. She is now the head coach at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
My run at Portland State University was short-lived because Coach Elliot was offered the head coaching position at UCSD in San Diego, CA. Not wanting to experience another blind coaching change, I decided to move back to California (Socal) and finish my college career closer to home. As a former women’s basketball team captain and graduate of Cal Poly Pomona University, I competed under the instruction of Head Coach Scott Davis and Assistant Coach Tamara McDonald. The initial mentorship, leadership and support I was given in my overall life led to my amazing opportunities as a professional basketball player overseas. Thank you to all who were involved.
Vallejo Times Herald wrote about it. CLICK HERE
While still in college, I left early, after completing my NCAA eligibility as a student-athlete, to compete in Luxembourg (2010-2011 season). After returning from my intial professional season, I completed my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology (the study of human movement) with an emphasis in Exercise Science. I returned to the professional circuit in 2012, to compete in Montenegro for the 2012-2013 season, and eventually ended my professional basketball career November 2013, in Puerto Rico shortly after being accepted to medical school.
I returned to Los Angeles to pass time before entering my first semester at American University of Antigua , but was soon recruited to work with a corporation by the name of Primerica Financial Services.
As fate would have it, I deferred my enrollment to medical school, only to never go. I decided against all of the time and hard work I had put in, and instead decided to transition into a career of life insurance, investments, and finance. I currently hold a life insurance license with the State of California, a Series 63, and Series 6 investment license. I have over $1M in AUM and over 300 life insurance clients as a Regional Vice President (RVP) with Primerica. Since 2013, I have helped over 40 individuals obtain life insurance licenses through the CA Department of Insurance, and I have helped 5 of those individuals obtain investment licenses. My life purpose is to positively effect people!
I offer you, the fellow parent/coach/mentor/student-athlete/entrepreneur/future partner, this insight into my/our journey, so that you may see the trajectory of my life; it is forever changing yet I make the best out of every opportunity I am given. Please tap into the Brain Food page to keep up to date with the latest projects, events, and news. Should we ever have the opportunity to work together, I look forward to learning and sharing in common space while creating magic from original ideas! I mean…that’s what Black Wall Street was all about right?
Very humbly I say, I have mastered the art of accomplishments and life transitions, and I strongly believe this why I am fit to help others pursue their life purpose, goals and dreams. I also believe that I have finally transitioned into the space where I will ultimately make a life changing impact on the world! Our community needs more diversity in the realm of financial education and athletic leadership! I am a 31 year young entrepreneur, community advocate, wife, mother and mentor.
Stephisha Ycoy-WaltonStephisha Ycoy-Walton understands the connection between strong leadership, mentorship, teamwork and throwing the dime for the bucket. Stephisha is a former PAC-10 competitor and currently the assistant coach at Fremont High School in Oakland, CA.
A native of Vallejo, CA, Stephisha was awarded a full scholarship to Oregon State University, a Division 1 powerhouse at the time, after receiving guidance from her mentors. She played basketball for 2 years in Europe (Luxembourg and Montenegro). Completing her career with 1 season in Puerto Rico, she was then simultaneously accepted to medical school and recruited to Primerica Financial Services firm in Southern California.
In addition to her coaching, Stephisha is a Regional Vice President of a highly sought-after financial firm, contracted with Fortune 500 financial and investment firms where she has been able to positively impact the lives of hundreds of individuals and families by helping them set and meet their financial goals.
Most recently, Stephisha and her team of dedicated professionals have established Playbook Series Inc. with a mission to improve and enhance academic achievement through the implementation of leadership training and college preparation. Playbook Series Inc. aims to increase the probability of success for scholar athletes by helping them and their parents become better prepared for the recruiting process and journey to college as a scholar-athlete. Stephisha, along with her life and business partner, enjoy raising their son in an enlightened life with a basketball in one hand and a belief that “Everyone has a purpose in life and that purpose is to positively impact the lives of those around you.” in the other.
Rae Jackson Sr.Rae Jackson Sr. has been coaching basketball for over a decade. He started off in the inner city of East Oakland where he was instrumental in bringing youth to the understanding that athletics and academics went hand and hand. From his efforts, a non-profit organization was formed; Bay Area Magic Youth Services. As the founder and director of Bay Area Magic Youth Services, Rae Jackson Sr. has seen over 100+ scholar athletes off to college. He was initially hired at Pinole High School as a Varsity Boy’s Assistant Head Coach with the goal of eventually becoming a college coach. In 2000, he was hired at Contra Costa Community College.
Rae’s tenure at Contra Costa College was one of success. He was instrumental in helping Contra Costa College in two State Final appearances and two Final Four appearances. He was also responsible for all recruitment of scholar athletes to the school.
As Founder and Director of Bay Area Magic he has put together a comprehensive program. He instructs players on the fundamentals of basketball by preparing them for the next level (college/professional). His style of teaching corresponds to that which is expected at the college level, therefore preparing the scholar athletes for the transition from high school basketball to college level basketball. Rae believes that it is necessary to provide each player with educational resources and support. The program is a nationally known program that has prepared over 30 to 40 men and women to accept college scholarships while assisting 60-70 more at getting accepted.
Rae Jackson Sr.’s philosophy is simple: instill principles of discipline, dedication, loyalty, and hard work. He feels that through discipline and hard work anything is obtainable. This ideology is applied in education as well as athletics. The only way to be productive in society is through education. Basketball is nothing more than a discipline to prepare you for life
In addition to his duties as founder and director of Bay Area Magic, Rae is the head coach at Ygnacio Valley High School
Ashley GibbsAshley Gibbs is the Director of Human Resources for FAME Assistance Corporation in Los Angeles, CA, while volunteering on the Board for Playbook Series Inc. The field of Human Resources fell in her lap after making the decision to move away from her original career path which was to become a Doctor of Physical therapy. Initially, she was set on combining her love for holistic medicine in conjunction with athletics, however, she found her footing in human resources and fell in love. While studying and also pursuing entrepreneurship, she began to learn and gain an understanding and passion for the human resources processes and saw it as a medium to help others in so many ways.
With Ashley’s knowledge of labor laws as they relate to nonprofit, as well as for profit organizations, she brings an innovative touch to the flow of human resources. She truly prides herself on being the human resource. With her experience in sports, creative design and community outreach, she brings a different flavor and creative thinking to positively enhance the trajectory of any organization.
Britnea MooreBritnea Moore is currently an experienced trainer serving the Bay Area and surrounding cities. In 2013, Moore created her own basketball academy, Access Your Game Training, LLC. This academy aims to elevate the basketball skill set, approach and overall mindset of youth who have hoop dreams. AYG’s dedicated mission is to give athletes access to what is not available to every demographic. Britnea meets that goal by hosting weekly skill development sessions, Co-Ed camps/clinics, free shooting workouts , speed & agility training and injury prevention/ academic workshops. A recent highlight is the partnership AYG established with Greater Than (www.drinkgt.com) in pursuit of young athletes prioritizing healthy habits.
Britnea has had the opportunity to host camps with PassThaBall (one of the largest media outlets for girl’s basketball), WNBA Star Skylar Diggins, Stanford University, Elite Is Earned (Check Me Out Nation) and has collaborated with many trainers around the world who share the same passion for hoop. Britnea recently traveled outside the country ( Thailand and Africa ) to help bridge the gap of “connectivity” around the globe.
In addition to running her academy, Moore is the Head Coach of the Varsity Women’s Basketball team at a top rated private school: Head-Royce High School in Oakland, CA. 2019 her team earned the recognition as the BCL League Champions and in 2020 she led them to an appearance in the NorCal Tournament. She serves as a full time K-5 PE teacher, assists with various health & wellness events and is an avid member of the Equity and Inclusion sector of the campus.
Britnea has a deep desire to give back her talents to future players. She thrives on connecting with athletes through her innovative style of training and finds great joy in seeing players grow, not only in basketball but as human beings!
Cynthia JonesCynthia Jones is a Vallejo, Ca native by way of Little Rock, AR. Cynthia initially attended Napa Valley College in Napa, CA graduating with an AA in criminal justice. She then went on to attend Sacramento State University before transferring to and graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Criminology. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Legal Studies at Cal Northern School of Law.
Cynthia has over 20 years of experience working in the criminal justice system, specifically with Juveniles. With an additional 5-8 years on the Mental Health side as well. Cynthia believes that everybody deserves a second chance and she is very passionate about working with youth to help guide them to a better future. She stands by the old saying that “it takes a Village to help raise young people” and she will build that village if she has to. She has learned that with dedication, consistency, LOVE and Belief that we can help all young people win in life.
Stephen WaltonStephen Walton was born and raised in Valdosta, GA. At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Vallejo, Ca where the majority of his life lessons were learned. After moving to California Stephen quickly learned the life of the streets. He turned to the streets as a minor believing that was going to take him to the promised land and make him successful.
Stephen’s life changed when he went to prison as a teenager. While in Prison he educated himself on Real Estate and Finance so that when he was released, he could pursue those avenues. Stephen is certain that what he received in Prison was a “PHD” from the University of the Department of Corrections. After being released from Prison Stephen used what he learned and acquired numerous properties as investments and income. Stephen often went back to Juvenile Hall to speak and help other youth get back on track and not follow in his footsteps.
Stephen believes in teaching youth that being compassionate and helping others will always deliver good karma. His motto is “Always give LOVE” because when you do things from a sincere place and heart that love will always be given back. He is inspired to help raise the next generation of young men and women and make sure they understand that everyone can change where their life is going. You just have to make the decision.
Viveca Ycoy-WaltonViveca Ycoy-Walton is a Los Angeles, Ca native where she attended Alain LeRoy Locke High School and Los Angeles Harbor CIty College she is now residing in Oakland, Ca. Viveca is a former softball player and Drug and Alcohol Counselor with more than 8 years of experience in working with at risk youth in the inner cities of Los Angeles.
Viveca was a youth Program Director at one of the drug and alcohol facilities in Carson, Ca where she also became Co-founder, alongside with her wife and business partner, of Project F.L.O.W. (Feel and Love Our Words), an organization in Los Angeles, CA, that developed creative writing courses as an alternate form of therapy for at risk youth battling trauma and drug abuse. The Course ran in 3 different treatment programs throughout the city of Los Angeles.
Viveca works in the nonprofit field where she rehouses some of the homeless population out of the city of San Francisco and into other cities and/or counties where the families are able to thrive and change the trajectory of their lives.
Viveca’s most recent endeavor has allowed her to be a part of the birth of Playbook Series Inc. Whose mission is to improve and enhance academic achievement in Athletics through the implementation of leadership training and college preparation.
Viveca has a passion for working with youth and has helped dozens of teenagers recover from substance abuse and graduate High School. Viveca believes her life is measured by the Love and Support she gives others and her willingness to help those that are less fortunate. When she is not working, she’s spending time with her wife, son and Dog with lots of positive energy and Sun.
Nola TaylorNola Taylor was born in Oakland California and played basketball at Oakland High from 2001-2003 and transferred to Fremont High School 2003-2005. At her time at both high schools they appeared in the OAL playoffs and made many appearances in CIF playoffs as well. After graduating with a 2.75 in 2005, she was offered a scholarship by Midland College. She played there from 2005-2007, then transferred to Texas A&M University-Commerce where she finished her last two seasons 2007-2009.
She became an important player after injuries took place to star players. In her Junior season she ended the season she finished second on the team with 19 blocks and third with 6.5 rebounds per game, with 6.5 rebounds ranked No. 13 in the Lone Star Conference. Also ranked eighth in the LSC with 2.54 offensive rebounds a game. She saw action in 28 games, starting six averaging 6.9 points a contest. During her senior year she posted 14 double doubles, also in that year she received 2nd team in Lone Star Conference.
After finishing her playing career at A&M-Commerce, Nola decided to play basketball aboard for 5 and a half years. She played in Ukraine fall 2009 , Romania winter 2010, Turkey Fall 2011-Spring 2013, Montenegro Fall 13 , Malta Winter 2014 then Puerto Rico Summer 2014. Leading those conferences in rebounds and points. After finishing overseas in Fall 2014 she came back home. She got a job with OUSD and decided to finish her degree. She has her bachelor’s in Science concentration of Public Health and is now getting her Master’s in Public Health through Southern New Hampshire University.
Nola volunteered at Fremont High school with the varsity team during the 2014-2015 season, after that she took an Assistant Varsity coaching position at Pinole Valley High School from 2016-2019, before coming back to accept the job at Fremont as Head Coach. During that time, she also coached with the Soldiers AAU team as well as TTP (Trust the Process) during that time as well.
Scot AlexanderScot Alexander is an Oakland, CA native and a product of the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Scot graduated from Fremont High School in 1986 and went on to pursue higher education at Cal State East Bay in Hayward, CA. He graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a teaching credential as well. At 19 years of age Scot started his own AAU basketball club team and earned his first varsity coaching job in 1995, at Thurgood Marshall High School in San Francisco, CA.
After obtaining his degree and teaching credential from CSU East Bay, Scot would transition back into his community by way of becoming a teacher and athletic director at Fremont High School in Oakland, CA, the same school he graduated from. Having first-hand experience with the scholar athletes allowed Scot to better understand the needs of his students. Scot has been a coach for 33 years (10 years at Fremont High School) and a teacher for 27 years (8 years at Fremont High School).
Scot is also the owner of Alexvision LLC, where he exclusively offers his patented product, the Apex Basketball Trainer. He was granted the patent for this product on September 11, 2018, and currently has a goal to distribute 25,000 units in an effort to change the way our scholar athletes train. Scot’s main mission is to improve and enhance the lives of the students in his community by providing equitable tools and resources.
Freida AueluaYou can call her Freida. However, being a young millennial, she had a hard time accepting that. People would refer Freida back to their elderly aunt’s and grandma’s. She found it to be the most unattractive name, which carried into self-consciousness. She spent many years in her music career getting attached to stage names she forced herself to identify with. She finally found her purpose in music when she accepted her journey as hers alone, and a huge aspect of self-love was appreciating her name. The stories in Freida’s music let you in on her humble beginnings, her hurdles, and her vision. She now stands proud in her name FREIDA knowing much more about her ever-evolving God given name. A name in its own right, dates back to The Egyptian Queen, The Painter, The 70’s Motown Singer and Me.
So Yes, please call her Freida; Freida Tela. Tela is her Samoan bloodline and the culture she was raised in.
She performs cover songs in an elite party band called Changing Lanes . With opportunities on stages big and small, she’s found the voice that’s been stifled from the struggles of identity. She’s a recording artist with LakeHouse Studios, under the umbrella of Changing Lanes Entertainment Group, in Salt Lake City, UT. Freida’s original music stems from different shifts in her life; the highs and lows. Many refer to it as Rhythm & Blues; she calls it her journey and hopes it touches someone wherever they’re at in theirs.
She often says, “The best gig I’ve got for life is being a mother to 2 beautiful children.”
She promotes positive energy for the sake of humanity and the future of it.
Official releases are as follows: Whatchu Missing (April 2020) Prod. by So For Real Beats, Cruel Fantasy Prod. by Dae One (June 2019), Good Enough live production from LakeHouse musicians (April 2019).
Corin “Tiny” AdamsCorin ‘Tiny’ Adams was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from James Madison HS, she went on to have an illustrious career at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a master’s degree in Journalism.
Highlighted by having her jersey retired at James Madison and Morgan State, basketball has been a dream come true for Tiny. Tiny is the all-time leader in steals, points, and assists at Morgan State for both men and women. From 2010-2017, Tiny played professionally in Puerto Rico, Portugal, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Czech Republic, Chile, Switzerland, Poland, Romania, and Greece.
Aside from playing basketball, Tiny started her own apparel brand: TA9, Co-Founded a nonprofit organization called T3 Sports in NYC, and she has also released an autobiography entitled Tiny Setbacks, Major Comebacks.
Tiny is currently an Assistant Coach for Loyola University.
