Ladies First Akron

Congratulations to alum Leah Hall for passing the Illinois Bar exam. She is now qualified to practice law in the state of Illinois. We KNEW your greatness way before this!!

See you at 6pm‼️🖤❤️

Monday Sept 21st. Bring the girls out!! All they need is a positive attitude, willingness to try and a separate pair of shoes. NO EXPERIENCE needed. Registration link in comments!!🖤❤️

We are very excited for our Founder/Executive Director Kenny Coach Jo Jo Smith. Coach Jo Jo has decided to learn more about education and workforce policy for the state of Ohio. He is excited to bring the necessary information back so that ALL students can find success!! Congratulations Coach!! Keep being a positive example for the community!!🖤❤️🖤

Today, more than 20 leaders from across Ohio began the 2026–27 Ohio Excels Education & Workforce Policy Fellowship.

Over the coming months, this cross-sector cohort will explore the policies shaping early childhood, K–12, higher education, and workforce development while building connections with leaders across the state.

We’re excited to get underway with this outstanding group.

We are currently looking for coaches to help guide girls in grades 3-6. Basketball is what we use to bring everyone together and then the magic happens!! Reach out and share!!🖤❤️

We are extremely excited to share that we will be offering 4 scholarships to the 2027 Class. We are still accepting donations and have some exclusive T-Shirts for those who make a $50 donation. More T Shirt Info Coming Soon!! Scholarship guidelines and requirements will be announced soon. Please make sure you follow our Social Media accounts on Facebook and IG. on IG with no spaces. 😇😇 #11 💙💙🖤❤️

🏀 LADIES FIRST AKRON IS LOOKING FOR COACHES!

16 years. Hundreds of young women. One mission.

For 16 years, Ladies First Akron has believed basketball can be a vehicle for something much bigger. We use the game to help girls develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, discipline and relationships that extend far beyond the court. That focus on basketball and life development remains central to the program today.

As we prepare for another season, we are looking for passionate individuals interested in coaching our 3rd–6th grade girls basketball teams.

We aren’t just looking for someone who knows X’s and O’s. We’re looking for mentors, leaders, teachers and positive role models who understand the impact a great coach can have on a young girl’s life.

If that sounds like you—or someone you know—we want to hear from you!

📲 Text COACH to 234.237.4705
📧 [email protected]

❤️🖤 Join the Ladies First Family.
Develop Athletes. Build Confidence. Impact Lives.

Yesterday was so much more than a basketball tournament.

The Forever 11 Shaylah Jones Mental Health Skills Clinic & 3-on-3 Scholarship Tournament was a day of healing, hope, community, and opportunity. We started the day watching young people learn the game they love, families come together, and our community honor Shaylah’s legacy by investing in the next generation.

On behalf of Ladies First Akron, thank you to every player, coach, volunteer, parent, donor, and supporter who made this event such a meaningful success. Your presence reminded us that when a community comes together with purpose, incredible things happen.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors and community partners:

💙 Akron NAACP — Thank you for believing in our vision and standing beside us as we continue creating safe spaces where young people can grow both on and off the court.

💙 Judi Hill — Your generosity, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to our youth helped make this event possible. We are truly grateful.

💙 Walmart — Thank you for investing in our community and helping us provide an unforgettable experience for the children and families we serve.

A special thank you to the outstanding leaders who poured into our participants:

🏈 Former NFL player Johnny Adams — Thank you for facilitating our Men’s Mental Health Session and sharing powerful insights on strength, resilience, and the importance of prioritizing mental wellness.

💜 Coach Diamond and Coach Taylor — Thank you for leading our Women’s Mental Health Session, creating a safe space for honest conversations, encouragement, healing, and empowerment.

🎧 DJ B Nyce — Thank you for keeping the energy high all day long. Your music created the perfect atmosphere and helped make this celebration one our community will never forget.

Because of each of you, this event became much more than basketball. Together, we turned a day of competition into a day of connection, healing, mentorship, and hope.

Shaylah’s light continues to shine through every smile, every basket, every conversation, and every life touched.

Thank you elected officials: Mark Greer Summer Hall and City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office for your contributions.

Thank you, Akron, for showing what community looks like when we choose to stand together.

Shoutout to the 3 on 3 Champions of the girls division and boys Division.

Forever 11. Forever Remembered. Forever Inspiring. 💙🕊️

Photos from Forever 11 💙💙