United Way Progress Report:

‘I’m a product of the United Way’
IU women’s basketball coach Legette-Jack starts campaign with her story

By Dann Denny
331-4350 | denny@heraldt.com
September 15, 2006

When Felisha Legette-Jack was growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., her mother sent her to the local Boys Club after school, along with her brothers.

"My mom was raising five kids, so she had to work two jobs," said the new Indiana University women’s basketball coach. "She needed to send us somewhere after school where we would be looked after."

Legette-Jack said there was always food and someone to talk to at the Boys Club, which was supported with United Way funds.

"I’m a product of the United Way, and the people who gave their hard-earned money to support it," she told a crowd of 150 people at the DeVault Alumni Center Thursday. "Without it, I would not be the person I am today."

Legette-Jack was the keynote speaker at the kickoff luncheon for the United Way of Monroe County’s 2006-07 campaign.

The local fundraising goal of this year’s campaign ­ called "50 Years of Improving People’s Lives" ­ is $1.5 million, 2.3 percent more than last year’s fundraising total of $1,465,803.

"We can make this happen," said Barry Lessow, executive director of United Way of Monroe County. "There are agencies ready, willing and able to do their part. Now it’s time for us to do ours."

"We are confident in the community’s desire to improve people’s lives," said Jennifer Hottell, United Way communications director. "Last year, the campaign gathered support from more than 214 local businesses and thousands of community members."

The campaign funds raised between now and Nov. 22 will be used to support United Way’s 27 member agencies ­ from Abilities Unlimited and the American Red Cross to Middle Way House and Monroe County United Ministries.

‘You won’t fit in’

When Legette-Jack was a high school senior being recruited by more than 200 universities for her basketball prowess, she told her high school counselor she wanted to accept a full-ride offer from Syracuse University.

"You won’t fit in," the counselor told her. "Your family is not from the same type of culture as the people at Syracuse. If you go there, you will fail."

When Legette-Jack informed her mom what the counselor had said, her mother ­ a Bible-believing Christian ­ said, "Where’s your faith, Felisha? Are you going to let one person destroy your dreams?"

Months later, Legette-Jack enrolled at Syracuse. By the time she graduated, she was the leading career rebounder and second-leading scorer in Syracuse women’s basketball history.

"Now, I’m coaching women’s basketball at Indiana University, where we will one day cut down the nets," she said. "We didn’t come here to win basketball games. We came here to win championships."

Let your light shine

Legette-Jack said one of her favorite Bible verses, from Matthew, chapter 5, says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven."

"This community and Indiana University has been letting its light shine, but it’s not bright enough," she said. "There are still too many kids out there who need help so that they, too, can someday tell their stories."

Legette-Jack said her first season at IU will be tough, but that she will be asking her players to keep pushing and find ways to win.

"That’s what I’m asking you to do," she said. "We need to push past the hurt until it feels good again.

"The time is now," she said, adding "$1.5 million seems almost outlandish. But I believe in miracles, and a miracle is beginning today."