The journey of Clarisse White: coaching with faith and purpose

The journey of Clarisse White, also known on the court as Coach White, has been nothing short of inspiring, shaped by her faith, commitment to empowering young women, and drive to change the world one basketball court at a time. 

Drawing from her own life experiences, she shared, “I played basketball in college at Villanova and knew that I would love to stay around the sport.” Her passion led her to coaching, a path that she embraced wholeheartedly. “God opened the door to coaching as a graduate assistant after I graduated from college, and I have been coaching collegiately ever since.” 

Throughout her career, White tackled significant challenges that tested her faith. “I moved six times in nine years to different coaching assignments, so God really challenged me early in my career to trust Him.” Yet, with each move came growth and opportunity. After nearly two decades, she reflects on the impact she has made: “I have been blessed to coach countless young women and have career success along the way.” White was named the head women’s basketball coach at Charleston Southern University in 2021 and is the 16th head women’s basketball coach in the program’s history.

Mentorship plays a critical role in White’s coaching philosophy. “One of my dear mentors always says we need a ‘Paul and a Timothy,’ which means we need older people in the faith to pour into us, and we need younger people in the faith in whom we invest.” This idea is the foundation of her coaching, as she balances receiving wisdom from fellow coaches while also pouring it into her players.

White encourages her athletes to embrace their potential, both on the court and in life. “I want our players to be Boss Women. I encourage them to make value-based decisions that are driven by standards and values over feelings.” Her coaching style is fueled by her faith, which she describes as “the most important thing to me.” 

At the heart of her approach to coaching is a commitment to instilling confidence in her players. “First and foremost, I try to help them understand their value as a woman. I remind them that they are special and unique.” White motivates her athletes to be proud of their gifts and to understand that “confidence comes from God,” reassuring them that the pressure they might experience within the game or from life is not solely on their shoulders.

White’s dedication to making an impact goes beyond the court through her nonprofit organization, Play BOLD. “Play BOLD was birthed out of a vision God gave to my dear friend Melissa and me regarding serving His body and making sure we impact underprivileged communities overseas to bless them through the game of basketball.” Inspired by Bob Goff’s book, Love Does, the nonprofit stands for “Beyond Ourselves Love Does,” focusing on improving lives through the sport she loves.

Play BOLD has made a substantial impact, building five basketball courts across different African countries such as Eswatini, Uganda, Zambia, and Cameroon. White shares, “We partner with already existing organizations in those countries and provide the resources to place a basketball court in places like schools, churches, and refuge homes.” These courts not only serve as an outlet to play sports and to have fun but also as spaces for community and spiritual connection. “The court is a space for the locals to learn competition and teamwork through the sport of basketball, and ultimately, have a space where the gospel is shared with them.”

White invites others to join in this mission. “We are always looking for volunteers to travel overseas with us to build more courts!” For her, the journey is fueled not just by ambitions but by divine grace. “I am only able to do it through His grace and His grace alone.”

As she continues to navigate her life filled with wearing many hats as a wife, mother, coach, mentor, and nonprofit cofounder, Clarisse White’s story demonstrates a life devoted to faith, empowerment, and the enduring spirit of basketball. Her journey is a testament to the idea that trusting in God’s purpose can lead to extraordinary impact, both on and off the court.

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