Jamese Franklin

April 2025 Issue

by Lesley Kyle
Photography by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC

 

Jamese Franklin knows who she is.

Born and raised on Hilton Head Island, Jamese hails from an athletic family. Her father coached track and field and football; her mom coached basketball. Growing up, Jamese played volleyball and soccer, but it was basketball that captured her heart. “In my family, you don’t really have a choice,” said Jamese. “Once you can walk, you pick up a sport.”

Jamese played basketball at Hilton Head Prep before playing for the Hilton Head High School Seahawks her senior year. Determined to keep her feet and head in the game, Jamese pursued coaching. She spent two years as team head coach at Hilton Head Middle School, where she also played when she was in middle school, before returning to her high school alma mater where she coached the Seahawks for another two years.

As her career path evolved, Jamese moved on to Hilton Head Christian Academy where she helped guide the school’s varsity team to a record five consecutive state championships from 2019 through 2023. Jamese just finished her second season as an assistant coach for the USCB’s Women’s Basketball Team, the Sand Sharks. While Jamese loves the game of basketball, she loves being a coach even more.

Her favorite part of the job is the young people whom she encounters and helps shape during transitional times in their lives. “I create forever relationships with these kids,” she said. “My support doesn’t end when they stop playing. I’m a forever kind of coach.” The bonds she forms with her students extend well beyond the basketball court, and she still speaks with most of the kids she coached over the years. “They call me when they’re having a good day, or a bad day,” said Jamese. “That’s what I enjoy about being a coach.”

Jamese invests in her students and spends time off the court to learn more about her players. Her coaching style varies from teammate to teammate. “Some kids can’t take yelling; others are motivated by it,” she explained. She learns how to coach the students by knowing them as individuals: not just as a team. “I want kids to know they can rely on me,” she said. “I want to be that person they call.”

The women’s basketball program at USCB began just two years ago. Last year, the Sand Sharks lost a tough game to the University of North Georgia, but the tables turned when they played the team again on their home court later in the season. The Sand Sharks played well and were ahead for most of the game. One of the team’s leading scorers was injured and sent to the hospital. Time stopped for a few moments as the team absorbed the loss of a critical teammate. However, they rallied to win that game for their injured teammate, and when she returned, they celebrated together. “It’s a team, a family—they motivate each other,” said Jamese. “The way the team came together…another reason why I do this.”

“I’m a very transparent person, and not everyone can handle it. There are not enough hours for me to be someone I’m not. Life can be hard,” said Jamese. “I hope they push a little harder and never let anyone or anything get in their way, whether it’s their sexuality, gender, or the color of their skin.” The sky is the limit for all of the women she has coached. Jamese has a very no-nonsense approach to life, where she puts people before the game. “These are young, impressionable people, not just a number on a jersey,” she said. “Do things for the right reasons—your reasons—not because you’re expected or told to.”

Jamese wants the community to know how special her team is and how those incredible young people are destined to do great things. “Be mentors to these kids,” said Jamese. “We need greater involvement from the community, and the kids need and appreciate the motivation.” She also wants the community to support women’s basketball and the USCB Sand Sharks. The team is on hiatus until the fall, but the new schedule is expected to be published this summer (uscbathletics.com). Jamese can’t wait for next season. “I’m happy with what I’m doing,” said Jamese. “If what’s next can top my life right now, then I can’t wait.”

 

Up Close:
Resides In: Hilton Head Island
Fun Fact: She hates the summer heat even though she grew up here.
On the Court: Jamese played forward.
Favorite Team: South Carolina Gamecocks
All in the Family: Jamese’s parents and three siblings are all athletic.

Jamese Franklin knows who she is.

Born and raised on Hilton Head Island, Jamese hails from an athletic family. Her father coached track and field and football; her mom coached basketball. Growing up, Jamese played volleyball and soccer, but it was basketball that captured her heart. “In my family, you don’t really have a choice,” said Jamese. “Once you can walk, you pick up a sport.”