October 14, 2024

Something Big Is Happening In Texas

Kenya Landers

Director of Business Development-Texas

I remember it like it was yesterday…my senior year, 1998, the Regional Championship game in Midland, Texas…win, and we go back to Austin to defend our 1997 State Championship title. 

The game is physical, the stakes are high. We score a basket and jump into full court press. I am applying pressure on the ball handler. Hands out, the way I had been taught — not touching the ball handler but making her very uncomfortable. 

She falls, and the ball rolls out of bounds. I’m thinking, “Turnover, our ball!” 

The official turns around to the scorer’s table with a different idea. “Foul #1-3 red.” 

I could not believe it. I turned my back to the official and said some things under my breath that can’t be repeated here. But as I looked up, I ran into the official’s partner. Tweet. “Technical foul on red #1-3.” 

My stomach immediately drops to the ground, tears come straight into my eyes. Why did I use such language? Why didn’t I keep control of my emotions like I had done so many times before? How could I — the team captain and starting point guard — let this happen? 

I let my team down, my city down, my coach down, the Pantherettes down. If you know anything about Texas high school basketball, then you know the Duncanville Pantherettes are known for their machine-like performances on the court, consistent state championships, but most of all for their class and sportsmanship. 20+ years later, that moment still sits with me. 

That competitive personality has traveled with me in everything I have done in life. I’ve always wanted to be the best. From college recruiting and coaching, to serving high schools as a principal and directing athletics, to now moving the needle and making a positive impact on the lives of everyone I meet while serving Mammoth Sports Construction in the great state of Texas, I compete. I compete EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

Sports are my life, so it’s important to me that the purity of sports remains and is not tainted by bad behavior. This pursuit led me to meet the renowned speaker and founder of a sportsmanship program known as the Texas Way: Stephen Mackey. 

The Texas Way equips student athletes, campuses, and communities with the tools to handle adversity when the stakes are high, to gain the ability to remain calm when you are severely disappointed, and it reminds athletes to remain who they are no matter what is happening around them. 

The Texas Way’s approach to teaching sportsmanship is going to change high school athletics in Texas for the better. It’s an initiative that aligns with Mammoth’s mission, and which is why Mammoth is proud to be the title sponsor of the program. 

I truly believe this initiative will travel far beyond the playing fields and courts. The Texas Way will affect how parents parent, how professionals do their jobs, and how the future leaders of our country will hold their positions. 

Sports teach us about discipline, character, and the love and sacrifice necessary to be part of something bigger than yourself. 

I am proud to share The Texas Way with the world. 

To learn more about Stephen Mackey and the Texas Way, visit www.playthetexasway.com.