Ladies First Akron

05/11/2026

Congratulations to our 6th grade group for finishing their spring with a victory. They’ve all improved on AND off the court that’s the reason we do it. Till next time✌🏿 📚🏀❤️🖤❤️🖤

05/08/2026

The Success rate of our program continues to set the standard. Major shoutout and congratulations to Lanae Riley for being pinned at the The University of Akron college of Nursing ceremony yesterday! Sports bring us together but it’s the lessons in between that define our greatness!! 🖤❤️

04/08/2026

Our Director of Programs and Innovation wanted our younger girls to talk to current and former athletes so she created an event. The Life After Sports Summit was a MAJOR success!! Thank you to all of our sponsors and supporters.

04/02/2026

Basic Fundamentals

04/02/2026

Never abandon the basic fundamentals they transfer to all areas of life. Week 1 of our project based learning experience. The girls are active researchers working in teams, creating their own definitions and learning WITH each other and the instructors. Our founder Kenny Jo-Jo Smith is a certified teacher and leads this process with Kent State University and students from the college of Education.

We will be seeking community partners for interviews and participation very soon!!

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04/01/2026

Year 13 of our Kent State Spring partnership with the College of Education began yesterday. It’s fun letting the girls become teachers because of the skills they learn.

03/25/2026

Major Shoutout and congratulations to the Ladies First Akron 4th grade team for advancing to the championship game of the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office youth basketball league. The game will be played at 6:15pm tomorrow. Please come support these girls against the boys!!

The girls are coached by 2 Ladies First Alums Jada Haines and Terynn Williams.



🖤❤️

03/24/2026

We are extremely grateful to have people begin to recognize what has been taking place for the last 16 years. We have so many alumni that are giving back to the future generations. Spectrum News did this amazing video and article. 2026 is our sweet 16 celebration year. Please connect with us as we have even more greatness planned.

After a successful high school and college basketball playing career, Jada Haines is giving back to the organization that helped give her a start.

03/18/2026

Today our Director of Programs and Innovation Jada Haines was featured on the Front Page of the Akron Beacon Journal please go purchase a copy. It showcases what we have been doing for 16 years by creating confident young ladies who are leaders!! It also talks about our upcoming event this Sunday March 22nd at Ed Davis Community Center.

03/17/2026

Another current college athlete will be sharing her experience and knowledge Sunday at the Life After Sports Summit. All female athletes in the Akron, Canton, Cleveland area should be present.

Register at Ladiesfirstakron.org

03/13/2026

More Greatness will be on display March 22nd! ❤️🖤