​Head Coach Pinder

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I am Lathera Pinder, but you can call me Coach Pinder. I am a 9-year veteran educator, but I have been coaching all my life.  Currently, I am leading the Starks ELITE Organization and coaching a team of ELITE scholar-athletes.  I am a graduate and a proud alumnus of Miami Edison Senior High School. It was here that my eternal passion for basketball as a member of the Red Raiders Girls' Basketball team (1995-1999) was ignited.  My years as a Miami Edison scholar athlete led me to a full basketball scholarship (2000-2003) and resulted in an A.A. Degree in Business Administration. This opportunity provided to me through basketball allowed me to pursue my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education at Florida Memorial University.   Upon graduation, I was presented with the coaching experience of a lifetime.  I was offered a coaching position at the place where it all began. At Miami Edison Senior High School, I was given the experience of connecting with players that needed someone who they could see themselves in and lean on for both athletic and academic support.  Being a coach where I was once a player, has shaped every coaching position that I have had in my 15-year coaching career.   During my basketball career, I have won many games and accolades. My top 4 most impressive honors include one from each phase of my journey.  It was during my freshmen year of high school that my team won the GMAC Championship.  As a college freshman, I earned All Academics, really inspiring my dedication to the importance of education.  And it was as an Assistant Coach at Booker T Washington High School, I was able to celebrate capturing the first female sports title in the school’s history, winning the 4A District Championship in both 2014 and again in 2016.   I have later crowned 14U AAU Champs in 2022. ​