Testimonials In Support of Coach Domonique
These testimonials were requested based on the following prompt and are unedited (except for a few grammatical corrections wherever necessary). The prompt to my players was - “Good afternoon Coach Dom here, I’ve submitted my name for an upgraded coaching position and want to ask if you can provide a brief statement (with pros and cons) of what it’s like playing for me or having your child play for me. Provide What you liked, disliked, what did you appreciate, etc. I may need these player testimonials to help bolster my case.”
Malik Joseph (Guard Newberry College/Former Central Eleuthera High Player) - The pros were you taught us all of the fundamental stuff that we weren’t too accustomed to. Overall it helped us. You were tough on us because we were lazy and you knew our potential. You pushed us to be the best we can be because you have seen what we were capable of. The cons are you didn’t stay very long I felt as if I had you throughout my high school career at Central Eleuthera I would be even better than I am now. You were focused and led the entire group. This isn’t a big con but more 1 on 1 workouts would’ve helped a lot more.
Corey Sands (Division I - Chicago State University) - I am writing to personally express my support for Coach Fernander and to share the impact he has had on me both on and off the court. Playing under Coach Fernander has helped me grow in ways that go beyond just basketball. On the court, he has played a major role in my skill development. He takes the time to teach the game in detail, especially when it comes to understanding how to break down film. Because of him, I have learned how to study my own performance as well as evaluate other players, which has elevated my basketball IQ and helped me become a more complete player. Off the court, Coach Fernander has also been someone I can learn from and rely on. He pushes me to stay disciplined, focused, and accountable in everything I do. His guidance has helped me mature not just as an athlete but as a person preparing for life beyond the game. One of the things I appreciate most about him is how much he genuinely cares about his players. He builds real relationships and wants to see us succeed in all aspects of life. At the same time, he holds us to a high standard. His expectations can be demanding, and he challenges us daily, which may not always be easy. However, those challenges are what push us to improve and reach our full potential. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to play for Coach Fernander. His dedication to player development, his knowledge of the game, and his commitment to helping his players succeed make him a strong candidate for any coaching position. I am confident he will continue to have a positive impact wherever he goes.
Lavardo Richards (Former Player) - There were many things I liked about playing with Coach Dom. He showed me how to be the best version of myself and how to do it, also I appreciate the fact that he played in a team system. Some pros would be that he goes over the fundamentals, works on running the plays almost to perfection, and always expects 100 percent effort in practices and games. The only thing I could say I didn’t like was the fact he made us run so much in practice, but he did it so we could always be prepared for the game.
Abdullah Johnson (Former Player) - Playing for you really forms a player's perspective & was probably the best thing I could’ve done for my basketball career. Playing under a coach such as your self who always has high expectations for players was not easy but I would always do it again. I learned teamwork, leadership skills, and life skills such as time management and being responsible for things in my life.
Ethan Williams (Former Player) - My name is Ethan Williams and I have been coached by Coach Dom since I was around the age of 14 or 15. Firstly, outside of basketball, he is a great mentor and also someone who would always be honest with you despite how you would feel about situations on and off the court. As a Coach, Coach Dom displays tough love which helped me to always keep pushing despite me being tired or not motivated to play the sport. To be honest Coach Dom doesn’t really have any flaws as a coach because he is such a great person on and off the court. Under Coach Dom and his training, I was able to play basketball in the United States at the prep level and also played in AAU tournaments, and currently, I am at college right now trying to get an athletic scholarship.
Samal Adderley (Former Player) - I played for Coach Dom from 2018 and beyond. One thing I can for sure say about playing under Coach Dominique is if you’re giving 100% you’re not playing. That is both on and off the court. I have improved not only as a player but also as a person due to the life lessons that Dom has taught the teams and I. Coach Dom doesn’t only coach to win but coaches to improve and adapt his players to be prepared for what may happen going forward in their careers. I can recall days in junior high when Dom made us run for not finishing a book report that none of us were interested in. This happened daily at every practice until we eventually caved in and began doing what we were told. Practices were no cake walk as I said Dom made sure you gave 100% at all times. During stretches, punishments, cardio, or even prayer we were expected to be on our game at all times. Although looking back at it now I can say I enjoyed what he did for us now but back then it felt like actual torture. I can recall one game where Coach Dom didn’t care if we won or lost but chose to prove a point that the more dedicated players will play no matter their skill set. We lost that game but moving forward you could bet we never let it happen again. My greatest memory with Coach Dom will have to be winning our championship back in 2018 as his first year coaching us.
Nikiel Simon ( Former Player) - My Name is Nikeil I have played night league basketball under coach Dom for 1 year. Coach Dom’s leadership both on and off the court is remarkable, he sets clear goals and expectations, helping us stay focused and motivated. Dom excels at communicating with players. He listens to our input and ensures that everyone understands their role and responsibilities. Under Dom’s guidance, I’ve seen significant improvement in my skills and understanding of the game. He invests time in individual player development.
Kamal Murphy (Semi-Pro Canada) - I am a 6”1 point guard out of Nassau, Bahamas and now I play organized semi-pro basketball for over 3 leagues in Canada, I was coached by Coach Dom in the year 2016/2017 basketball season of NPBA division 2 it was my third year playing night league, I played the 2 previous years in division one, I averaged 13PPG 6assist and 6 rebounds for the real deal shockers, in 2016 I transitioned to Coach Dom’s system and my game changed, it was my best year of basketball I ever played and I’m still playing today, under coach Dom, I was the second best player to national player and pro Qyemah Gibson, who went pro after he played with Coach Dom that same season. I average 21PPG under coach Dom, 6assist and 4rebounds. He never knew this but he was the only coach that ever believed in me, he pushed me to the best basketball I could play and he met me as a young man seasoned in the game, he was a true inspiration to me and my teammates as today we still reminisce on the season. We went 11-2, and the chemistry he built in just one year was unmatched and we thank him for that even tho it was cut short to go to championships. It was his first coaching job coaching young men and he handled us with respect and manners and was always on time for games, practices, weddings, baby showers, you name it. His loyalty is outmatched and I’m happy to call him a brother and coach he’s more than a friend he’s a great guy and I hope he succeeds in whatever he does thank you.
Joshua Gardiner (Former Player) - I’ve known Coach for about 7 years and one thing I admire about playing for coach is the equal opportunity that is provided, whereas skill is a huge factor in the game of basketball; however, he looks past the skill and instead he includes other factors such as work ethic, humble players, leadership skills and emotional intelligence all before he decides to let anyone play. Another pro is the one-on-one relationship that he develops with his players; coming from a personal standpoint, I have had conversations with Coach Dom when I should not even be up asking him questions about life, how should I go about certain situations as well and decisions or opportunities pertaining my future. To him, it is bigger than basketball. As a player, I would personally say that being coached under Coach Dom allowed me to understand that although it is basketball it can truly be bigger than that. Although there are no cons for me because most issues were self-inflicted I would say just listen and there would not be any available cons.
Shannen Phillips (Former Player) - Good afternoon, my experience with being coached by you helped me improve not only as a player but as a human being. You somehow knew what we could and could not do on the court. Personally speaking, I watched you pull the potential out of players who didn’t know what they were capable of, you made the game easy for us. The drills and practices were intense but nothing can be easy in life. I wish you all the best as you continue to follow your dreams.
Mr. Yves Pierre (Referee and League Colleague) - Hands-On. Good Communication. Well Prepared. When I watch Coach Dom both as an opposing coach and an official these are the terms that come to mind. He communicated well with players and officials. He gives clear directives to his players who in turn executes. This is clearly a function of good preparation.
Alvinado Parker (Guard Barclay College) - Coach Dom has coached me for 5-7 years and the experience was great and helped me become the player I am right now. I learned a lot about playing at different levels and knowing it’s a lot of work that I must do in order to be where I should be. He will push you because he wants the best out of you and he loves everyone, he is very passionate about the sport and he has a great character. If someone deserves a coaching job it should be Coach Dom one of the best coaches on and off the floor.
Joevante Fox (Former Player/Former Central Eleuthera High Player) - Coach Fernander is an exceptional leader who has made a significant impact on my growth both as a basketball player and as an individual. Under his guidance, I've not only developed essential skills and strategies on the court, but also learned valuable life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. His dedication to our team's success, both on and off the court, has fostered an environment of continuous improvement and camaraderie. This includes learning how to come back from a loss and being able to stay focused after a good win. However, there were instances where more individualized feedback would have been beneficial. Despite this minor area, Coach Fernander’s overall impact on my development and the team's cohesion remains undeniable. I am truly grateful for the positive influence Coach Fernander has had on my basketball journey.
Raynita Sweeting (6/7/8 Career Research/Critical Thinking Teacher & Parent) - My name is Mrs. Raynita Sweeting and I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Domonique Fernander (known to my family as Coach Fernander) for a little over ten years. Tall in stature but a great guy with a big heart! I met Coach Fernander through the CSA Basketball Academy. My first impression of him when I enrolled my two sons was that he truly loved the game of basketball; his coaching skills were beyond the normal training of basketball and his interaction with my sons and the other players was a positive and uplifting vibe. It was something that you had to see for yourself. The players really looked up and respected him. One of the things I admired about Coach Fernander was how he prayed with the players before leaving training. It was something they always look forward to! My family and I transitioned back to the United States in the year of 2020. My sons who are currently still playing basketball ages fourteen and nine are doing tremendously well! My fourteen-year-old is a sophomore this year and will be starting as a varsity player for his high school basketball team this fall. My nine-year-old is also a part of several basketball programs in our community and has been held as a young leader amongst his peers. He was recognized recently at a very prominent camp over the summer for best defense player and the person who showed the most sportsmanship on and off the court. My husband and I always get remarks from their coaches and teachers for always being respectful and showing a positive attitude. I say this wholeheartedly because I know for a fact that Coach Fernander would have instilled some of those qualities in our son's lives. We will be forever grateful to him. I am not sure who this letter will reach but please know that Mr. Fernander will be a great asset wherever he may go. He is a man of integrity and a GREAT leader that will be able to lead any team set before him.
Rashad Ingraham (Former Player - NPBA All-Stars) - Coach Dom transition from a player to coach has now been pretty tremendous. Playing alongside him seeing the way he cracked down his defense mindset and how to read certain plays from just watching from the side and making the right adjustments, from then I knew he was well on he way to becoming a great coach in this country of ours. That guy is a student of the game he loves and is passionate about this game of basketball is amazing to see great things in the future.
Antonio Hanna (Former Player - NPBA All-Stars) - I know Coach Dom would be perfect for the job. The reason is that I’ve coached alongside him for a few years and know there is a lot of upside in his coaching style. He breaks down the game pretty simple and he has a winning style of coaching. He not only teaches the game of basketball but he also in small points teaches the game of life which is essential for our younger students of the game. For a split moment, he may get lost in his passion for the game (eg. Punishing a player in a time the team may need them) but he means well, and sometimes those things are needed. Although it may seem hard for other coaches he actually creates relationships with his players which results in them playing at peak level most times which then feeds into his winning system. In closing for the years I’ve known him on and off the court he’s been a humble, respectable, God-fearing guy and remains that today which is why Coach Dom would be perfect for the job.
Anonymous Player - You’re honestly better than my college coaches and I had 10 of them in my ear telling me this and that but with you, it’s better because you break everything down to the T. So if I’m being honest if you ever get a chance to coach at a college level and I’m still I’m college I wouldn’t mind following you.
Anonymous Player - You are the best coach I've ever played for and you are different from any other coach in the Bahamas the pros of playing for you are I actually learn things especially life lessons from you coach my skills get better every time we train and I get to meet other people just like the guys on this team to me there or no cons for you and that's my opinion.