Shimmy Gray-Miller has been pushing her women’s basketball team harder than ever this season. That’s their reward for improvement-they get the pleasure of handling harder practices.
During preseason workouts, six straight days of intense practice had most of her players worn out and looking forward to a well-earned day of rest.
So, on this day of rest, when senior forward Jameela Haynes was spotted shooting free throws alone in the dark in Chaifetz Arena, Gray-Miller could not help but smile.
“She is the reason why coaches coach,” Gray-Miller said.
This behavior from Haynes, out of Miami, is a microcosm of the effort she has put forth throughout her career. Haynes has certainly had to earn her playing time, as her career average of 3.7 minutes per game would suggest. In the past, Haynes was a member of what Gray-Miller calls the “20-20 club,” or those who only play when the team is either winning or losing by 20 points.
“She was clueless about what it takes to be successful,” Gray-Miller said. “But since then, there has been a complete 180 with her work ethic and leadership.”
And, with only five months remaining in her career, Haynes describes the philosophy of her approach to this season with the phrase “carpe diem.” Now is her chance to make the most significant contribution of her career.
“Whatever I need to do to help my team get there, that’s what I do,” Haynes said.
That Haynes is even in this position today is remarkable, not only because of the work she has put in, but because of the circumstances which led to her coming to Saint Louis University in the first place.
In 2004, Gray-Miller, then an assistant at the University of Arizona, was recruiting a player from Monsignor Pace High School in Miami. Pace is a perennial powerhouse in Florida-three out of four high school years for Haynes included state championships. Haynes aspired to attend Columbia University at this juncture.
But shortly after Gray-Miller was hired at SLU in April 2005, she heard from the coach at Pace on Haynes’ behalf. The prospect of attending Columbia was looking bleak for Haynes despite an impressive résumé. Was there room for a scholarship at SLU?
Gray-Miller appreciated the offer, but there was a small problem … She couldn’t even remember who Jameela Haynes was.
But the unfortunate reality for the head coach at that time was that the team simply needed some bodies. After watching tape of Haynes, Gray-Miller decided to give her a shot.
“I’m glad it worked out the way it did,” Gray-Miller said.
She should be, considering all that Haynes has done in her time at SLU, which includes consistently providing a fresh jolt of energy off the bench.
“I’m good at running the floor, rebounding and encouraging my teammates,” Haynes said.
Her accomplishments off the court are also a testament to her character. Last season, Haynes earned the Billiken Award in recognition of her outstanding community service, leadership and passion. She also led the team in community service hours.
“Maybe we’ll call it the Jameela Haynes Billiken Award in the future,” Gray-Miller said.
For the time being, Haynes is just trying to take full advantage of her opportunity to make an impact. With conviction, she says she wants to play more. She expects to figure into the Billikens’ rotation with more frequency this year. It’s taken a long time, but Haynes has earned her reward.
