IN A Lebanon gym, the squeak of sneakers and the thud of basketballs bounce off the empty bleachers. A group of young athletes navigates through cone drills, focusing intently on their footwork and ball-handling skills. Coach Jonathan Barfield observes from the sideline, his eyes tracking each movement. When a ball ricochets off the rim and rolls toward him, he catches it effortlessly. “Keep at it,” he calls out, tossing the ball back into play, his voice steady and encouraging.
Barfield knows about keeping at it. A crossroads moment could have closed the door on the game entirely. Instead, it became the start of something bigger.
“I was once cut from my high school basketball team,” Barfield shared. “Now I’m one of the top trainers in Middle Tennessee.”
After high school, Barfield didn’t let that early set- back define him. He kept working, eventually earning a spot as a collegiate guard at Lambuth University. From there, he transferred to Tennessee State, where he said he gained the real-world skills that developed and shaped his approach to coaching.
Barfield went on to play overseas in EuroBasket, an experience he describes as eye-opening. Seeing the game from a different angle helped him understand how to adapt — not just on the court, but in life. Those years gave him a broader view of basketball and a deeper understanding of the discipline, character, and sacrifice it takes to grow.
After his time overseas, Barfield returned to Tennessee with a growing passion for developing players. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee State University. He spent more than a decade building his coaching experience, including roles at St. Bernard Academy and currently as the varsity coach at St. Paul Christian Academy.
On Oct. 5, 2022, after 14 years in coaching, he stepped away from his work in school-age services and launched Inspired Athletes full time. The vision was personal: to create a program that welcomed athletes of all backgrounds and skill levels, while also honoring the memory of his grandmother and the support of his family and friends.
In addition to running Inspired Athletes, Barfield is a respected skills trainer affiliated with Core Hoops, Upward Stars, Vertical Gyms, and Pro Skills Basketball. He has been featured in multiple publications, including Valiant CEO, Entrepreneur Impact, Shoutout Atlanta, Stardom101, Bold Journey, Canvas Rebel, and Voyager Nashville.
In an interview with Nashville Voyager, Barfield explained his highest hope for his skill-building sessions.
“The goal is to inspire athletes around the world,” he said. “I’ve worked with over 500 athletes from elementary through college.”
While presently offering coaching in Lebanon and the Green Hills/West Nashville areas, the goal is also to own a dedicated basketball facility.
It’s Barfield’s way of giving back to the younger athletes. And he’s already proven successful.
He said, “Many athletes I’ve coached and trained in the past have pursued collegiate and professional careers.”
Barfield’s journey from educator and athlete to business founder and community mentor is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose. Through Inspired Athletes, he continues to influence and uplift countless young players by equipping them not only with basketball skills but with life tools built on discipline, character, and leadership. His story reflects a powerful blend of legacy, hard-earned wisdom, and forward-thinking vision, solidifying his place as a rising titan in the world of youth development and entrepreneurial excellence in Lebanon.
Barfield’s playbook is no secret. His best direction to his athletes is straightforward: “Keep God first, eliminate distractions, be self-motivated, and take risks. Go on to manage your finances properly, find ways to be competitive in your field, and be a person of character. Eliminate negativity,” Barfield said.
And keep advancing the ball.
At any given time, in some gym in Middle Tennessee, the ball keeps moving; the next shot goes up. And somewhere behind it is a coach who never stopped. GN
For more information about Inspired Athletes, follow Jonathan Jonboy Barfield on Facebook.
