Written by Fulton Bryant-Anderson
Jami Tribby is the Business Manager for Seattle Adaptive Sports. She also plays and coaches with the Adult Seattle Sonics. We caught up with Jami to learn more about her involvement with Seattle Adaptive Sports and how this season is going.
Who is Jami?
Jami is a creative soul. Jami is a mother, wife, sister, coach, traveler.
How did you learn about Seattle Adaptive Sports?
When we moved to Seattle, I was not aware of the adaptive sports programs here. I trained to push Beat the Bridge. I got up to the line with the other wheelchair users; they were all in racing chairs, and I was in my everyday.
What happened next?
I went, “Okay, where do you get one of those?” and everyone said, “You got to talk to Tami [then Director of SAS]. She will be at the end of the race, find her.” I looked around after, found her, and was added to the email list.
What was your first experience with Seattle Adaptive Sports?
I heard about the Paralympic Sports Day, but I wasn’t able to make it. Then, I heard about the Dribbles on Wheels basketball camp. I was skeptical about attending a camp as an adult, but Tami was very enthusiastic about the opportunity for me. When I first arrived, it was mainly kids, but then the adults started to trickle in and my nerves subsided.
What was basketball camp like?
It felt good because in a basketball chair there is more freedom with regards to how quickly you can move on the court. I could get shots up and actually made some. Also, with team sports there is more camaraderie, connection, and collaboration. I felt that and was determined to go to the next practice.
Tell me about the change from player to player-coach.
It is a mental shift. As a player, you are thinking of “how can I perform better?” or “how can I make sure I am prepared to function on the team?” As a coach, it is more of “how can we best work together” and “what is the best way for us to develop this season?”. I am also assessing the other team:their personnel, players, skill sets, and how they respond to what webring to the table.
How is the season shaping up?
Good. We have a couple new players this season and a couple of players shifting out for various reasons. At the end of the day, we appreciate whoever is able to show up and understand whatever hard decisions need to be made. We strive for more practice time/space, as the more you play together, the better you are able to read each other on the court.
What are the Seattle Sonics goals this season?
The goal was to make it through the season and to attend as many tournaments as we could. With each season, we will continue to work with each other, develop as individuals and as a team, and h grow the program.
What does wheelchair basketball mean to you?
When I first started with wheelchair basketball, I quickly realized that there was a part of myself that I had locked away after my injury [years ago]. With that competitive side unlocked, I felt more authentically myself again. Team sports also brings an energy that you can feed off of. It’s a kick, for sure.
Anything else you want to add?
Our adult program is a good melting pot of experiences and skill sets. The players are those new to the game, still developing, or are more experienced but with injury/time/age constraints. It is fun, intense, and a very inclusive community. Our doors are always open.
