Coach Shelia Seymore-Pennick upholds the standard of winning for the Lady Trojans of Ribault High School, one of the most decorated programs in Florida. Some say it’s easy to walk into a dynasty and keep the success going because the foundation has been built and the pains outgrown. But according to Seymore-Pennick, there’s even more pressure to win championships when taking over a program that has won eight state titles and two national titles before your arrival.
Seymore-Pennick understood what she was getting into, so it wasn’t a surprise. The young lady from Moncrief grew up a dual-sport athlete, graduating from then Forest High School (now Westside High School), where she played volleyball and basketball. She went on to play volleyball at Jacksonville University, then transferred to FCCJ to play basketball her final years.
Seymore-Pennick replaced the legendary coach Alfred Austin for the 2005-06 season, during which she went 18-8, losing more games in one year than Ribault had ever lost in 25 years. During the 2006-07 season, she went 17-10, and in the 2007-08 season, she had her first 20-win season and her first year making it to the Final Four. Seymore-Pennick has now won three state titles and one national title.
Seymore-Pennick admitted that in order to have this type of success you’ve got to have good athletes followed by solid coaching – in that order. Most of her athletes play basketball year-round through AAU, various skill camps, and extra training outside of the program. Most of her athletes also come to Ribault for the early learning program that allows students to graduate high school with an associate degree.
The Lady Trojans just suffered their first loss of the season to Miami Country Day in the Florida Prospects Tournament this year. The Lady Trojans’ ultimate goal is to return to state to defend their title. Rumors circulated about Seymore-Pennick retiring after this season. She said that initially her choice to retire was impulsive and selfish. She wanted to go out on top – which will be after Rennia Davis graduates and heads to Tennessee to start her collegiate career. Seymore-Pennick said that after a lot of prayer and talks with her husband and family, she is currently considering staying to develop her younger players.
State championships (1988, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2016)
Staying Longer to Keep the Legacy Alive
Written by: Joey Lopes
Coach Shelia Seymore-Pennick
