Ushearnda Stroud (Coach U) a Georgia native received an athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee and later Sacred Heart Univ. During her junior year, Ushearnda and one of her teammates were struck by a car breaking her leg and shoulder. After intense rehabilitation and graduation, she was able to return to the court playing basketball professionally in Germany. Once returning from overseas she focused on mentoring and coaching, with positions at Watertown High School, Notre Dame High School, Salem State University, and Lawrence High School. Ushearnda has coached and trained athletes who have gone on to play and continue their education at, Fairfield, Marquette, San Jose State, St. John’s, Univ of New Hampshire, Trinity College, Syracuse, St. Anslem, Univ Hartford.
Air force Base (Germany) to train the children of our serviceman and women. Ushearnda received recognition of service by the U.S. Military Stars and Stripes News. Also, she was the founder of the United Conquerors Basketball player-development organization working with girls K-12 providing academic assistance and basketball skill training. This service to the community has been recognized by the Mayor of Malden MA, U.S. Senate, Massachusetts State Senate, and House of Representatives. Most recently Zonta International awarded Ushearnda the 2019 “Woman making a difference” recipient.
Ushearnda is currently in her second year at Brooks School (North Andover MA) as the girl’s 1st basketball head coach.