I grew up in a small town in PA. My dad was a coal miner and an ARTIST. He chose to work below the ground because people wouldn’t hire him to “dance” above. He died at 42 after years living with both legs amputated. My dad taught me how to work hard and stand tall.
I experienced my first “prejudice” moment in 1964 when I was clearly the best CHEERLEADER and left off the squad. My dad talked me into standing up for other girls. I was put on the team. I did this for the ones that followed me. Very cool.
I became the youngest head coach at 22. I coached for free for the first 11 years. This was at Cheyney College…womens basketball. Don Chaney was the mens coach. We had so little gym space that the men and women practiced together. I learned basketball from Coach Chaney.
I taught my girls the power of belief. You see, “nobody had ever believed in them before.”
I married Bill…”He was a good man.”
Our daughter, Nina was diagnosed with spinal meningitis at 14 months. She cannot speak or walk. EVER.
Our son, Justin was almost killed in a car accident in 2000. He has brain damage. The doctors tell me that he will NEVER be the same. After finally being released from the hospital he is allowed to come home. When he sees Nina he say’s “Happy Birthday, Nina.” The doctors call this a miracle. He returns to his old self. Very cool.
My husband Bill dies suddenly at 47. He was carving the Thanksgiving turkey. I NEVER fully recover from his loss. I have had many more adversities but, I think you get the point. Nothing has been handed to ME!
Oh yeah, my WORK.
I led Cheney to the first EVER Women’s Final FOUR. Years later, I would lead Iowa as well. In 2007 I led my third team to the final FOUR and I told Howard White, one of the top exec’s at Nike, “I feel very strongly that we’ve been guided here. God has a plan for us.” He sent me a consoling text after our loss that read: “Viv, so sorry about the game. Perhaps the Lord has another plan for you – a greater plan than winning the basketball championship. I do believe your steps have been ordered.” Very cool.
The next day, April 4, 2007, Don Imus made his infamous statement about my girls…and I knew what to do next. We took it head on. We looked injustice and adversity in the face. We took a stand.
IF you liked what you read here, you might want to read my book. My name is C. Vivian Stringer. I am a child of God and a coal miners daughter. I am a mother to three children. I am a producer of leaders. I am a cheerleader. I am a fighter. I am the Head Coach of the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights. I am Standing Tall and that is the name of my book.
Check it out.
What injustice are you tolerating?
What injustice are you running from?
What injustice are you running toward?
What prejudice are you allowing on your team?
What makes you think “being so realistic” is such a good idea?
What adversity are you ALLOWING to stop you short of your dreams?
Do you realize that your steps are ordered?
Do you know who you are?
BUILT TO LEAD 