Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Hamilton.
Derrick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Memphis, TN, I grew up with a love for all sports with basketball being my main passion. After high school, I attended Middle Tennessee State University which was the decision that led to me becoming a Nashville resident. I developed a deep love for the Middle Tennessee area, and I quickly realized that it would become home for me. As the years passed, I gained a desire to dive back into sports. That desire resulted in me becoming a volunteer coach for i9 Sports. For 2 years, I participated as a volunteer basketball coach in the Franklin, TN area and the experience was life changing. The fulfillment that I received working with kids through sports was indescribable. At that point, I developed a newfound passion for youth sports and gained a new perspective for my future. Therefore, I made the decision to become an i9 Sports Franchise owner within the Clarksville, TN community and surrounding areas. During my decision, I knew that I wanted to operate my league in an area that could benefit from a positive youth sports experience with family, fun and fundamentals as the foundation. Clarksville fosters a culture that is synonymous to the foundation of i9 Sports. So far, i9 Sports-Greater Clarksville has operated in the Clarksville community for 1 year offering flag football, soccer, Tee-Ball, basketball, cheerleading, and volleyball for kids ages 3-14. Witnessing the smiles from every kid and parent has been the highlight of each week and the driving force behind our mission. I am beyond thankful to all of the families, partners, and team members that have helped turn something that was once a vision into a reality. It has been a magical year, and I am looking forward to increasing the smiles and growing the fun in the years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, it has been a smooth road. However, operating a youth sports league can have its challenges just like any other industry. I would say that the biggest challenge that I have faced so far has been securing suitable space(s) to support the growth of the league. We currently rent venues to utilize for our league play and sometimes space can be limited. Despite the challenge at times, we have been blessed with some great facility partnerships that has eased the struggle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about i9 Sports-Greater Clarksville?
i9 Sports-Greater Clarksville is an individually owned youth sports league within the Clarksville community and surrounding areas. The sports that we currently offer are Flag Football, Soccer, Tee-Ball, Basketball, Cheerleading, and Volleyball for kids ages 3-14. i9 Sports is built on values such as fun, fundamentals, and positivity. We also have a sportsmanship medal that is distributed weekly to an athlete on each team that most reflects the sportsmanship value for the week. The values that we highlight each week consist of respect, teamwork, integrity, and more. We believe that building character is just as important as building athletes.
What makes you happy?
Providing something positive and enjoyable to the community surrounded around sports is what makes me happy. I have always had a passion for kids and sports. At this point in life, having a platform that is centered around that passion has been fulfilling. Although I operate in the role of owner, my true happiness comes from coaching which is why I make time to participate in that role as well. Planning for each week is fun and enjoyable. However, there is nothing better than being on the sidelines and in the huddle watching the kids on my teams learn, smile, and grow confidence each week.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.i9sports.com/franchises/greater-clarksville-tn/527
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i9sports527/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i9SportsIS527/
