Shantell Jeter will receive a Health & Wellness Champion award at this Saturday’s (Oct. 4) 30th anniversary celebration at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center.
The “Reggie,” which opened in 1995, is much more than a track facility. For three decades, it’s been a hub for the community and a place of opportunity. But as it’s so often said, it’s the people who make a place, and Jeter is one of many who bring greatness to Roxbury.
“Shantell has dedicated her life to advancing the physical and mental health of Boston’s youth, while also inspiring countless others through her own journey,” said Lauretta Siggers-Benton, Chief Operating Officer for Roxbury Community College (RCC), which runs the Reggie. “Her connection to the Reggie runs deep—having competed here as a teenager and winning a BNBL championship on this very court.”
Jeter, 37, a Brighton native who began playing basketball at age 7, launched “You Got It, Girl” in 2022. The basketball and leadership initiative runs free clinics, seasonal training, and summer camps for girls and young women.
“I did my first-ever clinic at the Boys and Girls Club in Brighton,” Jeter told The Reporter. “The second thing I did was an eight-week preseason program in the city of Cambridge. And then we started with the camp three years ago. We just completed the third camp, so we’ve seen hundreds of ladies the past few summers.”
While it’s structured around basketball, activities include double dutch, yoga, and step. And Jeter says it’s objectives are much broader.
“I know that when I show young ladies that I can do things, they are more likely to believe they can do them too.” She added, “You Got It, Girl, stands for Growing, Independent, Resilient leaders. I like to teach young girls to use their voice and to use it in the right way. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself or for other people.”
Jeter works as manager of Special Projects in the Division of Student Support at Boston Public Schools.
“What that means is I support a lot of initiatives during the school day, after school, and on the weekends,” Jeter told the Reporter. “We offer additional support to students and their families.”
Jeter will also be part of another upcoming basketball-themed event: Action for Boston Community Development’s (ABCD) 14th annual Hoop Dreams event at the TD Garden, set for Oct. 6. Co-hosted by Brad Stevens, president of Basketball Operations for the Celtics, and sports writer Bob Ryan, the event features corporate and community teams of 16 players, who have donated $10,000, competing in half-court games. The funds raised at the tournament will support ABCD youth programs like SummerWorks, WorkSMART, Level Up, and Career Explorations. This year’s tournament will also celebrate women in basketball.
For the first time ever, the event will be open to the community. ABCD encourages Boston youth and families to visit the Garden, cheer on players, shoot some hoops, and tour the sports museum. To register as an attendee, guest, or player, visit abcdhoopdreams.org.
