Meet The Coaches

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Born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, relocated to Lake City, Florida, Byron attended Columbia high school. At the conclusion of high school, he accepted a full basketball scholarship to Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida.   There, he majored in Criminal Justice and was a three-year basketball starter. Upon graduating in 2013, Byron has worked for several Non-Profit organization dealing with youths. Byron is currently a Mental Health Behavioral Counselor. Throughout college and his corporate career Byron has always stayed close to the game of basketball from a coaching perspective.  He has been a coach for the youths for 4+ years, as well as recently being the Assistant Coach at Mandarin High School and former Middle School coach at Harvest Community and Coaching the AAU Select Tour in Orlando, Florida. 

Byron’s vision for OTOD is to create better players on and off the court. Provide a safe environment for children. Teach life skills and to make his players better young men\women. One day he wants OTOD to be the blueprint of how to build a program that started with 11 players. Now Byron is proud to say that OTOD has over 50 players with 5 teams. Byron wants to provide players with mentoring and tutoring and teach them to keep a positive attitude and to be great teammates. Also, develop the players to make their middle school and high school teams.  

Bennie McDuffie is a professional Barber and the owner of Bennie Mac's Barber Shop, Inc.  Bennie has been in the professional business for over 27 years. His love & passion for cutting hair are unmatched. Meeting new people every day, having fun, and telling jokes are important components of a Barber's life, and he creates that welcoming environment for both his employees, and customers.

Bennie currently serves as an Elder in his local ministry, Elevation Church, under the tutelage of Pastor Barry L. Townsend. He has served in this ministry for the past 13 years.  

Bennie is a strong and faithful family man and believes in putting God first. He earned an Associates Degree in Theology from Wisdom Bible Institute. 

Bennie was a volunteer basketball Coach at the DuPont YMCA for 7 years. Under his leadership, coaching & mentoring, his teams won several championships. He loves setting the example, and empowering young men to become better skillful players to help get them to the next level. 

He's the President of One Team One Dream Basketball Association. Bennie truly loves being around the game, but paramount is helping to assist the youth in the association to become self-actualizing and successful contributing members of society.

"Love God. Love yourself. Love others."

Jr.Project Manager, Long Branch Elementary School

After-School Division of Communities In Schools of Jax, Inc.

Vice President and Head Coach High School Division for One TEAM One Dream Inc.

Education:

BA Degree Edward Waters College Department of Children and Families Certified 

Affiliations:

Member Phi Beta Sigma Inc 

Summary:

After graduating high school in Sarasota, FL I was award a scholarship to play basketball at Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL after graduating from college I made Jacksonville my home with my wife Mattrica Kennedy who also is a graduate of Edward Waters College, teacher for 19 years and raising 5 great young men.

Experience:

Played Basketball at Edward Waters College 1995-1998 Third full year coaching elementary through high school players 

Austin is a Provider Data Service Analyst at Aetna Healthcare and also the owner/operator of Candler Lawn Service; he is a professional landscaper with a commitment to customer service and lawn care. Austin has been in the lawn care business for several years and has amassed a large client base due to his keen eye for detail and excellent professionalism.

Austin developed a love for basketball at a very young age, during his tenure in high school Austin played for the Terry Parker Braves in Jacksonville, FL where he was selected all conference in 2003.

Austin has coached both youth basketball and football for six years before joining OTOD in 2017. During his time with OTOD, Austin has led his team to several victories all while developing the athletic potential of each of his players. 

Austin has a strong passion for the game of basketball and wants to ensure that each of his players enjoys themselves and acquires valuable life lesson along the way, understanding the importance of a positive attitude, teamwork and accountability.

A native of Detroit, MI, LaRon currently works as a Registered Respiratory Therapist here in Jacksonville, FL. LaRon has always had a passion for sports. Introduced to basketball at an early age, LaRon played on his middle and high-school teams.  After concluding his high school basketball career, he continued to play post-secondary college intramural and adult league basketball while also performing coaching duties with various youth organizations.

LaRon firmly believes that fundamentals are the core of developing a player.  His coaching style consists of emphasizing the finer details, the love of the game, and continual progression.  He believes in recognizing the whole player while fostering team dynamics.   He also believes in cultivating the scholar-athlete and because of this, he mentors young males on an ongoing basis and provides his knowledge, service, and philanthropy to various non-profits with a focus on finding scholarships.