AtlantaNETS
Bios- Atlanta Nets Board
Calvin Nash
Founder / Director / Coach
Calvin established the Atlanta NETS Basketball Program in 2013 to enhance and develop the player- athletically, academically and socially preparing for life after basketball. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Calvin has seen what happens when young people do not have an outlet to express themselves. He has over 12 years of coaching experience from recreational sports to being Head Varsity coach of a local Atlanta high school. Calvin wants to continue to encourage children to make good decisions, while utilizing the team sport of basketball as a vehicle to teach life skills. Calvin is a husband, a father of two and a devoted Christian.
Jernane Williams
Director of Operations / Coach
Coach Jay was born in Phenix City, Alabama and moved to Atlanta in 2001.
He was Top 10 in basketball in the state of Alabama when graduating from high school, and played at Wallace State before transferring to Auburn University. He has an unmatched love for the sport and only wishes to make the kids better men. " I grew up with a love of sports and view athletics as a great opportunity to learn lifelong skills that transcend the athletic realm. I aspire to develop players who play an unselfish brand of "Team First" basketball, have tremendous character and give 100% effort in whatever they undertake. On the court, I teach the fundamentals of an aggressive, fast-paced, but disciplined motion offense, strong man-to-man team defense, and many variations of zones and press. As a coach, my team goals are to always "Play Hard, Play Smart, Play Together, and Have Fun
Benny Hickman
Assistant Director / Coach
Mr. Benny Hickman serves as a Coach for the Atlanta NETS Youth Basketball Program since its inception in 2013. Mr. Hickman coached for several years at all levels up to high school. He currently officiates high school and college basketball games.
He is married to Angela Hickman, and parents to three lovely children, Angelise (24 years old), Chris (who plays for the Nets and is 13 years old), and Taylor (7 years old). Mr. Hickman received his Bachelor of Science in Electronics Technology and Master of Science in Informational Technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State, and Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University.
Gaea Nash
Treasurer
Mrs. Gaea Nash serves as the Treasurer for the Atlanta NETS basketball program. Gaea is a native of Wichita, Kansas, and grew up in a family who loves sports. She has worked in the sports and entertainment industry for over 8 years as an accountant, and has had the pleasure to work in venues as Philips Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Georgia Dome. Gaea brings both her financial expertise and knowledge of the sports industry to the Atlanta Nets family, with a promise to build a successful program that will uplift and nurture the youth of our community.
Gaea is married to the founder of the Atlanta NETS, Calvin Nash, and they have two children, Cole and Laila.
Angela Hickman
Secretary
Angela, a native of Glen Burnie, Maryland moved to Atlanta in 2001. As Secretary she ensures that communication lines remain open between staff, parents and players to maintain a functioning working relationship. She has devoted many hours of her time to see that the Atlanta NETS vision comes to fruition and is successful. It is her hope that the players will not only develop skills in the game of basketball, but life skills that will set them on the trajectory for greatness! Angela is married to Benny Hickman, and the mother to three lovely children, Angelise (24 yrs old), Chris (13 yrs old who plays for the NETS) and Taylor (7 yrs old). Angela received her BS in Computer Science from Bennett College and MPH from the University of Michigan.
George Green Jr.
Media
George is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he became involved in sports and basketball at an early age, and continued throughout his high school years. After moving to Atlanta, Ga., he attended and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems, from DeVry University. For the past 20 years he is still finding time to embrace his passion, remaining involved in sports, by coaching youth sports. He is very passionate about sports, especially basketball, and receives great satisfaction, mentoring, and developing youth in the correct manner.
Derrick Eskridge
Coach - Fundraising Chair
Derrick Eskridge serves as Coach for the Atlanta NETS basketball 6U program. I am a native of Chicago Illinois, where I played HS basketball at one of Chicago’s top Powerhouse Simeon Vocational. I moved to Atlanta in 1997 after graduating from Mississippi Valley State University, where I pledge Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and received my bachelor degree in Business Administration. Married to Myra Eskridge, with 2 boys Michael (5) and Derrick Jr (10) which both play for the Atlanta NETS. Start coaching 6u in 2009 at the South Dekalb YMCA. I enjoy teaching kids how to deal with off the court activities as well as playing fundamental basketball on the court.