THE STING of being called the “weakest” player on the team still lights Monica Saine’s fire today. In seventh grade, after making the cut for Westwood Junior High’s basketball team, she found herself standing in a circle with her teammates during final introductions. Her coach at the time singled her out, his words ringing in the gym: “You were the weakest girl I kept.”
Dejected but not defeated, Saine walked away with a newfound tenacity.
“From that day,” she declared, “I was determined to not be the weakest one.”
Saine poured her heart into practice, refining her skills and pushing herself to her limits. By eighth grade, she silenced the doubters. Saine had earned a starting spot.
High school brought her under the wing of coach Missy Donaldson. There were grueling practices, intense drills, and moments of doubt, but Saine persisted. She credits coach Donaldson with molding her into who she is today.
At 16, Saine’s talent caught legendary Coach Rick Insell of Shelbyville High School’s eye. Insell is now the head coach of Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) women’s basketball team. Saine played on his Amateur Atheltic Union (AAU) team, where her skills and determination were instrumental in propelling the team to an undefeated record (10-0) and a coveted national championship title.
Saine’s brilliance shone through, earning her the prestigious MVP Award at the 16U AAU National Championship. This accomplishment turned heads in the college recruiting world. Offers came pouring in, and Saine, impressed by assistant coach Stephanie Glance’s genuine connection and coach Kay Yow’s winning legacy, chose North Carolina State University (NCSU). Yow’s Christian values and positive coaching style resonated with Saine, offering a sense of stability and purpose beyond the court.
Basketball was the three-year starter’s primary focus, and when her playing days ended, she found herself adrift. Seeking direction, she decided to take her talents overseas, playing professionally in Las Palmas, Spain. While there, the Manchester Recreation Complex, a brand new facility at the time, sought qualified candidates. Saine, a known go-getter, jumped at the opportunity. For the next 13 years, Saine thrived in the world of parks and recreation.
“My job title changed to athletic director and assistant director,” she said. “Sports and fitness were always the parts of my job that I enjoyed the most.”
Throughout her tenure, her passion for sports and fitness remained. Coaching provided her an outlet to connect with kids and ignited a love for physical activity.
Saine’s entrepreneurial mind eventually led her to purchase the old Morrison Elementary School in 2016. With a vision of creating a space that promoted health and well-being, she transformed the building into a thriving recreation center named “The Spot.” It offered a variety of activities — a 24/7 gym, fitness classes, basketball leagues, camps, a summer day camp program, and even party room rentals. Saine’s hard work finally paid off when the mayor of Morrison recognized her as Morrison’s “Citizen of the Year.” The award acknowledged The Spot’s crucial role in bringing sports, fitness, and recreation to the city.
Eventually, an offer she couldn’t refuse came her way. Dwayne and Bernadette Doud expressed interest in purchasing The Spot, and Saine decided to move on to new ventures. She transitioned to working at the local courthouse under Heather Duncan. During her time at the courthouse, Saine discovered a thrilling fascination with the world of real estate. This curiosity inspired her to pursue her real estate license and redefine her career path.
The tenacity and drive Saine learned on the basketball court and carried throughout her endeavors translated smoothly into the competitive world of real estate. Even as a part-time agent in her first year, she established herself as a “Multi-Million Dollar Producer.” She had a genuine desire to understand her clients’ needs and a knack for finding them the perfect properties. By her third year, her dedication was rewarded.
“By my third year, I was the top producer for the Manchester office. No matter what I’m doing, I’m going to give it my all, and failure is not an option.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Saine’s family is her greatest source of pride. Her husband, Nick Saine, is a self-employed entrepreneur who runs Middle Tennessee Exteriors, a company offering a comprehensive range of services from building pole barns to installing metal roofs and decks.
“My husband is the hardest worker I’ve ever met. You name it, my husband can do it. He is a man of many talents.”
Together, they lead by example, instilling the same work ethic in their children. Their eldest daughter, a freshman at MTSU, has achieved multiple dean’s list honors. Their son graduated in the top 10% of his high school and now attends Tennesee Tech University for engineering. Their youngest son excels in academics and athletics.
Saine acknowledges the pain of losing her biological father at a young age and the various hardships life has thrown her way. However, she chooses daily to embrace the hardships as opportunities for growth.
“I like defeat because a comeback story speaks for itself.”
Saine’s story is the essence of what it means to be a champion — a person who rises above challenges and writes their own success story. She is living proof that perseverance and a commitment to excellence often achieve the most rewarding victories.
“You get to write the future and change the narrative at any time.” GN
