A Dynamic Duo: Tasheed & Ahmad
Tasheed Carr is a basketball trainer in the inner city of Philadelphia. He trains over 200 young children to play the game of basketball and also the game of life.
He partners with City Athletics, an indoor one of many recreation centers that aim to keep kids active and safe in the Philadelphia community.
Tasheed trains at the West Tioga facility five to six days a week, working with multiple students daily. He recognizes the importance of giving these children a safe space to have fun and play the game they love.
“What I understand now is that this is the purpose of my life.”
Of the many students he works with, Tasheed has left a lifelong impression on one talented teen who hopes to take his career to the next level.
“He’s like a father figure to me; I actually call him dad sometimes.”
That’s the voice of Ahmad Nowell, a 17-year-old high school basketball player from West Philadelphia. Ahmad plays point guard for Imhotep Charter, a school on 21st Street in Philadelphia.
“Playing at Imhotep is amazing. Got great coaches, good culture, and great teammates. We’re all great kids.”
Great kids with even greater talent. Imhotep is known for its incredible basketball team that has won nine state championships. Ahmad is ranked 28th in the nation out of high school juniors nationwide. The six-foot, four-star recruit has been passionate about basketball since he was eight.
Tasheed and Ahmad have been training together for over five years, building a strong relationship on more than just basketball. The two are together almost every day of the week. Bonding over movies, restaurants, and other activities comes easy.
Khadija Bowens, a youth mentor and North Philadelphia native complete this friendship’s trinity. She knows how much these two mean to each other because she’s also always around.
“They are always with each other because I’m always with them. Every single day they are together. If Ahmad is not in school, he’s either at the gym, at Imhotep for practice, or riding to a game.”
There is much to learn about this dynamic duo, and I highly encourage you to listen to their story.
