CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The life of a student athlete can be tough - juggling long hours of practice, school and a social life. But a former professional women’s basketball player, who now calls Charlotte home, is trying to make that balance a little easier. 

Markeisha Grant started playing basketball at age 11 after her godfather encouraged her to pick up a ball because of her height.

Since that first moment, Grant has played overseas professionally. She also played under former Charlotte Sting Dawn Staley at the University of South Carolina. 

“It’s somewhere you can come and be yourself," Grant said. "You’re not judged. You can find motivation, you can be whoever you want to be through basketball.” 

Now, Grant is using her experience on and off the court to motivate and guide other young female athletes. She started her own business during the pandemic called “Savvy Skills.” It teaches young girls the necessary life skills to be successful.

"Just understanding how to communicate better, work well with others, and recognizing it takes a village in a community to build better adults,” Grant said of Savvy Skills.

Grant holds monthly workshops where about 25 girls spend the day with her and a team of other athletes playing basketball and learning about public speaking, teamwork and communication. 

Savvy Skills is catered to girls ages 11 to 13. Find out how to sign up here.