“SMALL TOWN, big dreams” – four little words and a familiar cliche but one carrying a lot on its wings. For some, it represents a hope to see, learn, or experience more, not to escape something small and mundane. The idea of “more” varies for each person, but the desire for it can be life-changing, both individually and for those impacted by it in the future. While some people do leave and never return, many others follow their hearts back home, bringing a positive influence and focus with them. T’Essence Phelps is one of them.
Phelps’ Commitment to uplifting the youth of her hometown compels her.
Breaking records, encouraging youth Challenges paved Phelps’ path, but she consistently defies expectations. As a standout player at Kentucky Wesleyan College, she etched her name in the program’s record books, ranking fifth in total rebounds with 591 and eighth in rebounding average with 6.7 per game. Her accomplishments on and off the court at Kentucky Wesleyan College were recognized when she was inducted into the prestigious Oak and Ivy Honor Society in 2014, awarded to those demonstrating spiritual leadership, intellectual ability, and strength of character.
Upon returning to her hometown of Fayetteville after her stellar collegiate basketball career, Phelps embraced the opportunity to build up the Fayetteville Middle School girls basketball program. Taking over as head coach in April 2022, she swiftly instilled a culture of discipline, hard work, and a winning mindset. Within one season, Phelps’ guidance and leadership transformed the team, equipping the players with the structure, direction, and mental fortitude needed to reach new heights.
Phelps appreciated her assistant’s contribution to the team’s success. “Assistant coach Khaila King was a great addition to our program. We have very similar backgrounds with the same coaches in high school, and some of our AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] coaches were the same. The girls got to see us work together as a team, [which] allowed them to work together as a team. I’m glad the girls got to encounter two women coming together to really succeed.”
Phelps’ unwavering belief in hard work, discipline, and equal opportunity resonated deeply throughout the team. She instilled a culture where principles took precedence over individual stats or accolades. Her players bought into it, coming together as a unified force and leaving egos at the door.
“We won the first area championship that the girls’ season has ever had,” Phelps said. “I believe in hard work because I know what hard work got me. I know my coach put me in a position to win, and I took advantage of it.”
A relentless pursuit
Phelps’ relentless pursuit of improving youth opportunities extends beyond the basketball court. In addition to coaching, she worked closely with students on their post-graduation goals as they explored various pathways, whether it was college, military service, or entrepreneurship.
Her entrepreneurial roots trace back to living in Houston following college graduation, where she operated her personal fitness training business, Fit To The T. This allowed her to share her passion for healthy living with a broader clientele while developing valuable entrepreneurial skills she could bring back to inspire her hometown community. Today, she continues her mental and physical fitness training on Instagram at @misstphelps. Phelps has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s in psychology with a sports specialization.
She said, “I help others heal themselves. I help people see their full potential. My purpose is to help others, and before that, [it was] to help myself. Helping others see their full potential — that you can do it regardless of where you come from. And sometimes you might not have that family support, but you can create it with those around you and whoever believes in you.”
Phelps’ ambitions extend far beyond the basketball court. She recognized the need for more resources and opportunities in her hometown community of Fayetteville, so she joined the Army National Guard. While her exact role is still to be determined through further testing and evaluation, Phelps views this as a pivotal next step in her journey to create positive change.
“I know with my brain, I can use the resources to help the kids in the future. And I plan on having a future family. All my family’s from here, and my mom was born here,” Phelps shared. “Sometimes you gotta go back to the plan and rebound and get back to it. I want to be able to be that person who can bring the resources to Fayetteville and help grow the community.”
Her focus on continuous personal and professional growth demonstrates her dedication to the community, especially the youth she is so passionate about impacting.
A legacy of empowerment
Phelps’ driving a force is creating opportunities that uplift her community — especially the youth who have faced similar barriers and lack of resources that she overcame. Her drive to empower the next generation from all backgrounds stems from a deeply personal understanding of their challenges.
“I want to show that just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t do all these things and still be a champion,” she declared.
Phelps’ actions leave a lasting positive influence ion the mentored, fueled by an authentic desire to provide the guidance, support, and pathways to success that were not always available to her. As she transitions to this new phase with the National Guard, that passion for opening doors and expanding possibilities for Fayetteville’s youth will undoubtedly propel her forward. It’s a big dream for her small town, and she’s determined to bring it home. GN
