Private Lessons & Coaches in Smithfield, NC

Hello family!!! I’m Ja and I’m currently playing simi professional basketball for the Carolina kings. I would love to help better the youth in my community get better at the sport they love playing.

"Ja honestly made basketball fun for me again😂😂ik it sounds crazy but he honestly did.! Thank you man!!

As a lifelong tennis enthusiast, I've spent the last 15 years sharing my passion for the game with players of all levels. My experience as an active player has instilled in me a deep understanding of the sport, which I leverage to provide insightful coaching tailored to individual needs. Let's work together to elevate your game in a fun and supportive environment.

Professional basketball player and coach with experience at collegiate and pro level. I am a graduate of NC state, JMU and Georgia Tech. I am very passionate about player development and creating a competitive environment where players can improve.

Jaylon Gibson – Basketball Coach & Instructor Hi! I’m Jaylon Gibson, a former collegiate basketball player from , with experience competing at the Power Five, Division I, and Division II levels. Basketball has been a major part of my life for over a decade, and I love helping young athletes grow in skill, confidence, and love for the game. Standing 6’10” and playing primarily in the frontcourt, I was a 3-star high school prospect, ranked among the top players in North Carolina. I attended Grace Christian School, where I averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game as a senior, leading my team to the state playoffs. I also competed on the AAU circuit with UC27 Carolina DreamChasers and Team Wall Elite, gaining experience against high-level competition nationwide. At the collegiate level, I began my career at NC State, competing in the ACC and learning the daily habits, discipline, and preparation required at the highest level of college basketball. I later transferred to Winston-Salem State University, where I had a breakout season and was named to the All-CIAA Frontcourt Team and All-CIAA Tournament Team. That year, I ranked top-10 in the CIAA in both scoring and rebounding, earned multiple CIAA Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week honors, and helped my team compete at a championship level. I also spent time at UNC Greensboro and Charleston Southern, where I continued developing as a player and teammate. At Charleston Southern, I recorded a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double before a season-ending injury. That experience strengthened my understanding of resilience, recovery, and mental toughness lessons I now pass on to the athletes I coach. My Coaching Style My coaching style is positive, structured, and encouraging, while still holding athletes to a high standard. I believe players learn best when they feel supported, challenged, and confident. I focus on teaching the why behind skills, not just the motions, so athletes can apply what they learn directly to games. I emphasize: - Strong fundamentals (footwork, balance, shooting form, defensive positioning) - Basketball IQ (spacing, decision-making, reading the game) - Confidence and effort (playing hard, staying coachable, learning from mistakes) - Game-ready skills that translate to real competition Because I’ve played at multiple collegiate levels, I’m able to tailor instruction to each athlete’s experience level and explain how skills progress as competition increases. Lesson Format & What to Expect Each session is organized, engaging, and age-appropriate, typically including: - Dynamic warm-up and movement prep - Skill development (ball handling, shooting, finishing, defense) - Position-specific instruction (especially helpful for post players and wings) - Game-like drills and competitive reps - Positive feedback and teaching moments I also can give advice on what to look for when seeking to play for a good basketball program at any level. I work with athletes of all skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to more advanced players preparing for middle school or high school competition and seeking college scholarships. My goal is for every athlete to leave sessions better than they arrived more confident, more skilled, and excited to keep improving. Why I Coach Basketball has given me incredible opportunities and lifelong lessons. Coaching allows me to give back by investing in the next generation of athletes. I care deeply about player development not just as basketball players, but as young people learning discipline, teamwork, and confidence. If you’re looking for a coach who brings high-level playing experience, intentional teaching, and genuine care for each athlete, I’d love to work with you!

30 years of professional performance, for audiences large and small.  I have always enjoyed teaching guitar to anyone that has interest.  My students say I am very patient and that I make lessons fun.  I also bring extensive experience coaching other skill disciplines like Tennis and Soccer that I can draw upon when finding different ways that different people learn best.

From the stage to the studio, my passion for guitar fuels my teaching. With 20 years experience as a recording artist, I tailor lessons to help you achieve your musical aspirations. Let's unlock your potential!

I’ve played most sports growing up, but basketball has stuck with me the most. I grew up playing with and against some of the best players from across the world. Most of my peers are still currently playing professionally, either in the NBA or overseas. I went to private school for basketball and eventually found my way to NCCU from 2013-2016, when we made it to the NCAA tournament 3 years in a row. I just moved back to the RDU area from Phoenix, AZ, and excited to give back everything I know!

I bring 20 years teaching basketball, combining tactical insight, technical skill development, strength-conditioning, and a deep passion for the game. I deliver individualized plans that build fundamentals, court IQ, and confidence within a disciplined, approachable framework.

I have 15+ years of WSI swim instruction tips and tricks that fuel my creativity and joy for teaching. I also hold and maintain a CPR and First Aid cert. I am passionate and patient, and I have experience with special needs. I absolutely love beginners, and can teach all the way up through getting them to swim team or preparing for open water swim. I specialize in ages 6 years and up through active adults, and have even worked with seniors.

"My daughter who is neurodivergent has been swimming with Mariah for a couple of years. She is able to thread water in the deep end of the pool, swim on her back and is now learning freestyle.

Graduated in 2018 as a French and Francophone studies major from FIU. As I am Colombian born, I know how to speak Spanish and use it every single day at home. Grade Potential Tutoring was my first endeavor where I discovered my Tutoring skills. Later, Parliament Tutoring, where I tutored online. Nowadays, I work as a Volunteer and follow up French online, which has got my French skills fresh and ready to be used.

"Paola is such a fun, caring and talented woman, making her a great tutor!