Phoenix, Arizona was not where Coach Latesha thought she would end up. The grueling heat, the lack of rain… did we mention the grueling heat? Still, Playworks Phoenix is exactly where she wants to be.
Coach Latesha began her journey with Playworks as an assistant coach in 2001, when Playworks was still known as Sports4Kids. However, through unexpected circumstances, Latesha was forced to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona.
“Leaving the kids mid-year was a struggle,” said Latesha. “I was leaving a very supportive and fun staff inside of the office as well as at the school.”
From Sports4Kids Latesha went on to work for the post office as a mail carrier for three years and as a merchandiser for Coca-Cola for two years. Then she received an e-mail about Playworks with a link to apply.
“I missed working with an organization that has fun staff,” Said Latesha. “I missed working with the kids and teaching them valuable lessons through play.”
Coming back to the organization, Latesha says Playworks has become a lot more structured and organized. She is even more excited about the amount that Playworks has expanded.
“I’m excited to come back and bring new ideas to the program,” said Latesha. “And I"m excited to challenge myself to be better than before.”
So what made her come back?
“Playworks is a job that I love. I literally wake up and I love going to work. I feel like not a lot of people can say that about their job. I'm appreciative for the opportunity to come back,” she said.
“I honestly feel like play works. I'm energized. I’m focused. I give 100% ever yday and most of all, I have fun. Playworks is extremely necessary for schools.”
