Presents: Coach Hilda Hankerson
Tell Us What Do You Do?
I am a High School Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and Health and PE Dept. Chair at an Atlanta metro area High School.
Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My basketball journey began as a player at Mercer University, in Macon GA, where I received my bachelor’s degree and later went on to attend Mississippi State University where I received my Master of Education.
My coaching career commenced as an Assistant Coach at Mississippi State not knowing that it would inevitably take off to being one of the greatest in my professional career. Later I became the Athletic Director and girls basketball coach at Selah Christian Academy in Miami. I was the AD at Trinity Christian Academy and girls basketball coach there as well. I coached at Miami Sunset for a while before I came to Atlanta. I then became the AD at Westlake High while Coaching the girls varsity team.
What are some of the most important values you demonstrate as a leader?
The willingness to serve. Some people forget that it is just as important for the leader as it is for the ones you are leading. Instilling confidence in those who you lead. You should make sure that they see that you are committed to the task at hand as well.
What has been the biggest challenge throughout your career trajectory that you’ve had to overcome?
Being respected in a field that is dominated by men. Many times you are not given the respect that you deserve even though you have put the same or more time to gain the knowledge that you have. Also, being a black women gives you a second level of discrimination that a black man may not experience.
Can you give an example of your own personal experience with failure? How were you able to overcome it?
I wouldn’t call it failure but a set back for a come back. An example would be losing a game that you probably should have won based on my team’s statistics. It just makes me dive into every aspect of the game to make it be a better outcome the next time. I keep the Faith! Faith is having the courage to take the next step even when you can’t see the whole staircase!
Heroes: What past leader you have worked with/ for you really admire and why?
My College basketball Coach who hired me to be her assistant at Mississippi State University after she left Mercer University. She told me that she was going to teach me about every aspect of the game and she delivered. Not just the game strategies but information about banquets, camps, community involvement, etc. I am so grateful to have been given that opportunity at such a young age. I became the first black female assistant coach in the Southeastern Conference.
What are some of the top qualities and traits that you think is needed in order to succeed?
Willingness to learn on a continuous basis is very important to being successful. Remember that you must be willing to pivot quickly if things don’t work out. Don’t get caught up in the moment that you cannot see what else is ahead of you (have a short memory of the things that don’t work out). My high school coach said turn the page, that chapter is over. You must be willing to persevere in order to be successful and above all else, trust in God. Don’t put a time limit on God. It might not happen when you want it but when it happens it will be right on time.
Any major accomplishments you would like to share?
I began my 27th year at Westlake High School this school season. The team made its first State Play-off appearance in the 1994-1995 basketball season in the Sweet 16 and in 1996 played in their first Final Four game. The team has played in every State Play-Off, with the exception of two since 1994, which comprises 10 Region Championships. Westlake has appeared in 24 State Playoffs that includes four Sweet 16 appearances, five Elite 8 appearances, and 4 Final Four appearances. In the last three consecutive years of 2018, 2019 and 2020, the team has won the State Championship in the highest classification in the state of GA.
My biggest accomplishments to date would have to be obtaining the following titles: National Federation High School Coach of the year 2018, Region Coach of the Year for the past 5 consecutive years, AJC Coach of the Year 2018 , and USA Today Coach of the Year 2020.
My most memorable highlight of my career was being appointed as a Court Coach for the USA 16 and Under Team. These have all been pivotal moments in my career and I’m so thankful to have been recognized.
Coach Hankerson takes pride in assisting young ladies in becoming the best they can be on and off the court. To date, she has assisted over 100 girls in receiving college scholarships. Additionally, she is a Founding Member of Hoops and Heels, an organization designed to prepare young ladies to navigate the love of the game as a woman.
This series is dedicated to highlighting trailblazing women of color that are leaders in their careers as well as in their communities. From public health professionals, to educators, professors, and influencers, these women bring in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity. They continue to break barriers even till this day, which serves as a reminder that “women belong in all places where decisions are being made” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
