“It was one of the most depressing times in
my life – especially when I failed the second
time,” said Houston, shaking her head as
if reliving the dip in her life. “Schools that
were looking at me went on to sign other
players. I did not think I could pass, but
Coach Ralph believed in me.”
For seven days a week, six months
straight, Houston would wrap up basketball
practice at 9 p.m. and Bryant would tutor
her in math until 11 p.m. On the day of
her test, Bryant, along with his supportive
family, drove her to Tallahassee before a
tournament to take the SAT and even paid
for the hotel rooms and cost of the exam.
“He called me the next day and said it was
time to celebrate,” said Houston. “But I told
him I couldn’t do that until I knew if I passed.
Then he told me he had paid the $75 fee
over the phone to get the results right away,
and I had passed. I was screaming!”
Within a week, Florida State University
basketball. Ultimately graduating from
University of Central Florida, Houston
moved on to play pro ball overseas. Even
before crisscrossing the court in Turkey,
Bulgaria, and Romania, Houston talked to
Bryant before every game.
“We even have a secret handshake,” said
Houston. “He’s also looked over every
single professional contract I’ve had.”
Bryant not only encouraged Houston to
embrace her basketball talent, but he also
inspired her to give back to the community.
In an awe-inspiring full circle story, Houston
returned to Bradenton, forged through
starting a career as an MCSO deputy, and
ultimately landed the position of director of
basketball for PAL.
“I wouldn’t trade working alongside Ralph
for a million dollars,” said Houston. “He is
now I get to coach basketball and help
kids get opportunities and doors opened.
way he was for me.”
When Bryant leaves PAL each evening,
he’s usually not heading home to relax.
This die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan
and lover of seafood hardly rests or takes
hours. Family bonding and vacations often
spin out from taking his wife and kids along
with him to tournaments. But Bryant is
quick to say PAL is like home to him.
“Many of these kids don’t even realize I’m
a deputy,” said Bryant. “I can connect with
any kid, and they connect with me.”
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