Helping girls be their best selves
Area basketball coach talks empowerment in new book
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Hooks native Venture Watson has faced adversity and has always been able to find the brighter side of situations.
She recently wrote a book titled, “They Can’t Hold Me Down,” and was scheduled for a book signing on April 18. Due to the social distancing guidelines, Watson has been forced to postpone the signing date to a later time.
“I thrive on the fact people have tried to limit me in my life and I succeed with my goals that I have set for myself,” Watson said. “The book also gives some insight to where I’m from. It’s a really good read. I touch on my coaching career and some stories I feel people can learn from. In the end, the book talks about how to respond when trials and adversity hits.
“I want to give people encouragement to keep going on, especially with everything that’s happening right now.”
Watson has not only been successful coaching, appearing in the state semifinals at Arkansas High, but she has also been successful on the pageant circuit. Watson opens up in her book about her time as a pageant winner while coaching.
“I used pageants when I was in college for the scholarships it provided,” Watson said. “It was never for the title but the opportunity it could provide if I won. I would win scholarships for talents or interviews. I would use the money I won to continue my education.
“Once I began coaching, I saw how beautiful my young ladies were. My girls were also beautiful individuals but they weren’t known for being the nicest kids. They were funny and intelligent kids but they came from a background on the court of you run over me and I’m going to run over you. I told them I would compete in a pageant to show them that you can be cute and be a fierce basketball player. These are the experiences that I have throughout the book.”
Watson’s 138-page book is available through her website, www.VentureWatson.com, and through her publisher, College Boy Publishing.
“I’ve always thrived on helping girls be their best self,” Watson said. “I want young women to be empowered and to know there’s someone that looks like them, that can be successful in different arenas. I hope when people read the book, they will feel like they can accomplish their goals. I want my readers to know that you can’t please every-
“I want young women to be empowered and to know there’s someone that looks like them, that can be successful in different arenas.” —Venture Watson
one, but you always have to do right by people.
“I want my readers to know they can’t let anyone keep them stuck in the same spot, no matter the circumstances. They have to pick themselves up and keep going. I touched on personal events throughout my life and I hope readers can take positive reinforcement away from the book.”