Meet Thomasina Gatson | Educator, Basketball Coach, and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomasina Gatson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomasina, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Giving up is never an option. Keeping going fuels the opportunity for more achievements. Life is a rollercoaster ride there will always be struggles, failures, missed oppurtunites, loss of friennds and loved ones, etc. Our perspective of this has to be real. It has to be understood that these things will or my happen at some point in our lives. Therfore, giving up is not necessry when one anticipates and expects those events. Preparing is necessary but understanding the processes of how to move forward from those events requires education, experience, anad the willingness to understand who is truly in control of our lives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a teacher/coach in a public school in Aldine ISD. I have been teaching/ coaching basketball for 29 years. Of those years, I stepped away from coaching from public school and did some community college coaching and became an adjunct professor for the Lone Star College System. Additionally during that 10 year stint I was a PE and dual credit teacher for Victory Early College High School. What sets me apart from others is my passion for educating students at the high school and collegiate level, and coaching basketball. I give 100% into every aspect of those entities. I dedicate myself to ensuring the opprtunities for success for my students and student-athletes. I am a lifetime learner. I currently possess an Associate of Arts degree in Physical Education, a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology, 3 Masters degrees ; Educational Administration, Business Administration, and Coaching and Athletica Administration. I am currently pursing my Doctorate in Education/ Sports Administration.
I am most proud of my new position as President-Elect for the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Also, the fact that I have been recognized by the state of texas as an Exemplary Teacher. As an educator I have received many honors 2- time Teacher of the Year Secondary Finalist, TAHPERD’S Texas Health Teacher of the Year and Pathfinder Award recipient.
I have overcome many obstacles to get to where I am today, It wasn’t easy, but my resilence and support from my fellow educators, principals, coaches, and friends were always there to assist. Additionally, my wife has been a major contributor to my steadfast success. Her prayers and exceptional wisdom has been unwavering. The lessons that I have learned along the way is walk in faith, trust the process, optimism is the best food for self-doubt, and never be afraid to be uncomforatble.
I will forever be an educator and coach. My service to and for others will always be my legacy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sunday we would experience service at St. John’s Dowtown, After service we would go to House of Pies on Kirby for brunch. If the Texans ar playing we will attend the Texans game. Monday we would catch a movie at the IPIC on Westheimer and hang out at the shops afterwards. Then do dinner at the Warwick on Chimney Rock.
Tuesday we would have a country breakfast at the Black Walnut in Rice Village. Then go visit the Museum district and check out some of the exhibits.
Wednesday – Travel to Galveston to Moody Gardens and visit Pleasure Pier.
Thursday- Shopping at the Galleria during the day and ending in the Woodlands to shop and hang out on the waterway, Finishing the evening for dinner at Tommy Bahama Restaurant at Market Street Square. Enjoy the outdoor area with a live band afterwards.
Friday- Sleep in. Enjoy the night life check out some nice pubs on Washington Avenue for drinks, for example Clutch and Social Beer Garden.
Saturday- Brunch Franks Grill, then to Discovery Green/ Avienda Houston for the afternoon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shoutout is to all of the coaches and teachers that fed into me on my journey; that list is long…Without them I would not be here today. Their continuous trust and belief in what I was capable of becoming is what thas propelled me to where I am today.

Website: coachgsplaybook.com

Instagram: coachgsplaybook22

Linkedin: Thomasina Gatson

Twitter: tcbmw2002

Facebook: Thomasina Gatson

Image Credits
Houston Lady Nets, Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance