86 | Inside HBCU Basketball: Coach Shyheim Small's Journey
Thu Sep 04 2025
In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Coach Shyheim Small, diving deep into HBCU basketball, his journey from North Carolina to making waves with the Central State Marauders, and the real pressures behind coaching at an HBCU. This episode offers a lot of perspective as we break down the struggles, triumphs, and the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes hustle that keeps these programs thriving.
From navigating his PWI experiences at NKU to embracing the vibrant culture of HBCUs, Coach Small shares raw insights on teamwork, community building, and even the anxiety that comes with striving for greatness.
Whether you're a diehard basketball fan, contemplatiing attending an HBCU, or just here to listen, this episode promises something for everyone. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and join the ocnversation! Tune in!
Follow Us:
- The Highlight Real: https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/
- Shyheim : https://www.instagram.com/coachswerv_/
- Jhariah: https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/
#thehighlightreal #podcast #hbcubasketball #centralstate
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Shyheim’s Journey to Becoming a Coach
06:56 - Importance of Film in Coaching
10:43 - Aspiring to Be a Head Coach
12:51 - Sankofa: Go Back and Fetch It
15:45 - Checking Your Ego in Coaching
22:15 - HBCU Experience and Impact
27:14 - Coaching as a Labor of Love
33:03 - Coaching's Life Lessons
37:10 - Managing Anxiety and Pressure
40:30 - Shyheim's Goals for the Season
41:33 - Final Thoughts from Shyheim
43:31 - Shyheim's Fundraiser Event
44:29 - Outro
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In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Coach Shyheim Small, diving deep into HBCU basketball, his journey from North Carolina to making waves with the Central State Marauders, and the real pressures behind coaching at an HBCU. This episode offers a lot of perspective as we break down the struggles, triumphs, and the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes hustle that keeps these programs thriving. From navigating his PWI experiences at NKU to embracing the vibrant culture of HBCUs, Coach Small shares raw insights on teamwork, community building, and even the anxiety that comes with striving for greatness. Whether you're a diehard basketball fan, contemplatiing attending an HBCU, or just here to listen, this episode promises something for everyone. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and join the ocnversation! Tune in! Follow Us: - The Highlight Real: https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/ - Shyheim : https://www.instagram.com/coachswerv_/ - Jhariah: https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/ #thehighlightreal #podcast #hbcubasketball #centralstate CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Shyheim’s Journey to Becoming a Coach 06:56 - Importance of Film in Coaching 10:43 - Aspiring to Be a Head Coach 12:51 - Sankofa: Go Back and Fetch It 15:45 - Checking Your Ego in Coaching 22:15 - HBCU Experience and Impact 27:14 - Coaching as a Labor of Love 33:03 - Coaching's Life Lessons 37:10 - Managing Anxiety and Pressure 40:30 - Shyheim's Goals for the Season 41:33 - Final Thoughts from Shyheim 43:31 - Shyheim's Fundraiser Event 44:29 - Outro