Meet Danna Jenkins | Player Development Coach

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

Hi Danna, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Be where your feet are” – Scott M. O’Neil

I love this quote because it is a reminder to stay grounded and present. It encourages mindfulness and emphasizes the Importance the “here and now” rather than being distracted by thoughts of the past or worries about the future. It’s a simple yet powerful saying that promotes living in the moment and appreciating the beauty of the present.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Player Development Coach – 6 Years

I have been training basketball players of all ages for the last 6 years. Before I began coaching and training, I had a long playing career. I played high school basketball at Bishop Machebeuf High School, where I faced significant challenges, including tearing both my ACLs in back-to-back years. Despite these setbacks, my high school basketball journey was incredibly rewarding.

Even though I had to sit out for two years in high school, I was fortunate enough to play four years at Missouri Baptist University. My college career came with its own set of challenges, including two meniscus tears that required surgery. Despite these injuries, I played in over 120 games throughout my college career. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, I decided to move back to Colorado.

Shortly after moving back, I knew I wanted to stay close to the game, so I started coaching high school basketball. In 2018, I launched my own training business, beginning with just two kids on a regular basis. From there, I slowly built my way up, finding a true passion for helping kids develop skills and gain confidence on the court.

I am proud to say that I have now worked with over 100 kids, run multiple camps and clinics, and have had the opportunity to travel and network with other amazing coaches and trainers. Watching my training business grow from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding. What started as a small venture with just two kids has blossomed into a thriving program. I’ve been able to see firsthand the positive impact my coaching has on young athletes, not just in their basketball skills but in their confidence, discipline, and overall personal development. It’s a joy to see them progress and achieve their goals, whether it’s making the school team, earning a college scholarship, or simply finding a lifelong passion for the game.

What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart is my journey and the resilience I developed through overcoming injuries. I bring that same resilience and determination to my coaching, always striving to inspire and motivate my players to push through their own challenges. My playing experience, along with my dedication to always learning and growing, helps me offer well-rounded and compassionate coaching.

Professional Journey:
Looking back at my professional journey, it’s been quite the ride. It wasn’t a walk in the park to get to where I am today. Those injuries I faced could have easily thrown a wrench in my playing career, but instead of letting them hold me back, I embraced them as chances to grow and learn. That shift in mindset? It’s been a game-changer as I’ve transitioned from player to coach. Those hurdles taught me valuable lessons – like the power of persistence, the art of adapting, and the magic of staying positive through it all.

Lessons Learned:
Through my journey as a player and coach, I’ve picked up some valuable lessons along the way. One of the biggest takeaways has been the importance of resilience. Life, both on and off the court, throws us curveballs all the time. Whether it’s recovering from injuries or facing setbacks, I’ve learned that being resilient and bouncing back stronger is key.

Patience is another lesson that coaching has taught me. Progress doesn’t always happen overnight, and it can be easy to get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. But I’ve come to understand that growth takes time, and patience is essential in the journey towards improvement.

Coaching has reinforced the idea that success isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about putting in the work day in and day out. It’s about showing up, giving your best effort, and continually striving to be better than you were yesterday.

My Brand and Story:
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am committed to building strong relationships with my players and fostering their development, both on and off the court. For me, coaching is about more than just teaching basketball skills; it’s about helping young athletes grow as individuals and empowering them to reach their full potential.

My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that with hard work, any obstacle can be overcome. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges along the way, but each one has only fueled my determination to keep pushing forward. Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about finding strength and growth in the face of challenges.

I’m passionate about the game of basketball, of course, but more than that, I’m passionate about helping others succeed. Seeing the progress and growth of my players brings me immense joy and fulfillment, and it’s what drives me to continue doing what I love every single day.

Whether it’s on the court or in life, I believe that everyone can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Through my coaching, I hope to inspire and empower others to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Depending on the time of the year, Denver has a lot to offer to anyone who is visiting –
Some of my favorites places to visit are
1. Denver Art Museum
2. Hiking or yoga at Red Rocks
3. Drive to Lookout Mountian
4. A night downtown in Lodo or RiNo
5. Sporting Event – Baseball, Basketball or Football
6. Brunch – Mimosas, FIrst Watch, Denver Biscuit Company
7. Dinner – STK, La Loma, Gyu-Kaku, CDs Wings

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my amazing parents for all their unwavering support, love, and encouragement throughout my life. Their tireless efforts and dedication to teaching me the value of hard work have truly shaped who I am today.

From a young age, they showed me the importance of perseverance, integrity, and diligence. Whether through their own incredible work ethic or the many lessons they shared, they’ve always been my biggest mentors and role models. They taught me that success isn’t just about talent, but about consistent effort, resilience, and a positive attitude.

So, to my parents, thank you for always believing in me, for pushing me to strive for excellence, and for never letting me settle for anything less than my best. Your love and support have been my rock, and I am who I am today because of the values you instilled in me. This shoutout is for you, with all my love and appreciation.

Website: https://www.cbatraining.org/

Instagram: @Coachdanna_

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/danna-jenkins-22941813a

Twitter: @Coachdanna_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseofchampionsLLC?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: TikTok: @coachdanna_

Image Credits
Josh Ford (insta – modeford)
Anjolene Ramiro (insta – jrmed1a)