Meet Cesurian Champagne: NuMentality Fitness and Training, LLC | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cesurian Champagne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cesurian, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I decided to walk away from coaching high school basketball after 15 years. Initially, I didn’t think I could because my passion was to help kids reach their personal goals of earning a scholarship. The only difference is, I chose to work in the background instead of pacing the sidelines.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently in my 12th year as an educator. I spent 15 years coaching Varsity basketball ( 12 years coaching girls/ 3 years coaching boys). Throughout my career, the journey was quite a challenge, I must say. I have learned so much about myself throughout the process.

Initially, I thought that coaching was as easy as playing the game….but I learned very quickly that playing and coaching was on two different spectrums. I came in thinking that my players “knew” the game but coaching turned into teaching. Teaching requires much more patience but I took on the challenge. Throughout that process, I learned so much about myself and I must say, I am grateful for EVERY lesson learned. Those lessons turned into lifetime relationships with my players that I refuse to trade in for any amount of money man could offer.

As a former basketball player and coach, I wanted to instill not only basketball knowledge into my kids but life skills that will help them survive the challenges of life as they become adults. I wanted to make sure that my kids understood the process it took to be successful as a student and/or athlete.

I can honestly say that coaching the Baptist Hill boys varsity team in South Carolina, was the biggest challenge for me. Being the only female, coaching a boys varsity team in the entire state of South Carolina was enough pressure but I wanted to make a difference for every female coach in SC. The first year, my team finished 4-13 and I felt like a failure. But one thing I told my players, We will bounce back…just trust the process. My second year, we (coaches AND players) came in with an attitude to DOMINATE. Winning the Region title two years in a row took alot of work. To gain the respect of the male coaches, spoke volumes.

As a coach, I wanted to ensure that EVERY kid who crossed my path understood that they were created to be successful. I told my kids, “Do not allow your circumstances to dictate the outcome of your future. You are destined for greatness!” When they bout into that philosophy, coaching became easier.

As the owner of NuMentality Fitness and Training LLC, I took my experiences as a high school athlete/Division I player/high school coach and applied the mistakes that I made, the lack of knowledge I had during recruitment and as a team captain in college to heart. I did not want to miss the opportunity to TEACH my kids the small things that were major in life. NuMentality Fitness and Training LLC focuses on the all around individual and not just the athlete. Life skills and self-discipline is key.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1- I would take them to downtown (Charleston, SC) so that they can see this historic areas and embrace the history of Charleston

Day 2-3 I would take them to the beaches so that they can soak in the environment of peace and nature

Day 4- I would take them to other areas that provides more history of Charleston SC

Day 5- I would invite friends over to show them how hospitable Charleston folks are

Day 6- Relaxation

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to send a HUGE shoutout to God for blessing me with the knowledge and talent to be who I am today.

Secondly, I want to shoutout my former players and coaching staff throughout my career, for trusting in me to lead them.

I want to send a big shoutout my college coach, Stephanie Lawrewnce Yelton for teaching me what leadership REALLY meant during my senior year at Charleston Southern University.

I want to shout out my family for supporting and encouraging me. Seeing you sitting in the crowd and cheering me on really meant alot to me.

Lastly, I want to give a big shoutout my wife, Jennifer for believing in me and encouraging me to be the BEST me at all times. Having you by my side makes the process so much easier. I love you!!!

Website: https://www.numentalityfitnessandtrainingllc.com/

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Image Credits
Terrance Dessaure | Client of NuMentality Fitness and Training LLC