Jumping at an Opportunity

Cy Springs’ Mansa El takes leap into coaching boys

Cy Springs’ Mansa El takes leap into coaching boys
Mansa El charged into coaching boys at Cy Spring

Mansa El wasn’t supposed to be a Cypress Springs’ boys’ basketball coach when the school year began.

After being hired as an English teacher in September, El heard about an opening for the Freshman A head coach and varsity assistant positions. She nailed the interview for both.

“It kind of just happened,” El joked. “I’m not one to back down from an opportunity, so I went ahead and took it.”

El was a good fit for the roles because she played at Cy-Fair High School, and later North Texas, Tallahassee Community College and South Alabama.

She was also an assistant coach for West Virginia Wesleyan College and the University of Houston girls’ basketball teams.

She hopes her past experience guides her players to individual and team success, whether it’s winning district titles before high school graduation, or being recruited and playing in college.

“I was happy to share that with them, having been there in the past,” she said.

Even with a transition period, El found early success in year one.

It started with her competitive nature, which implemented the necessary winning mentality that will help her players make the jump to varsity. She also used her straightforward, tell-you-how-it-is coaching style to critique her players’ games. She made adjustments for the faster boys’ game, as well as developments in player mentality and athletic abilities.

It resulted in a winning record for the freshman A team, which went 14-11, and the varsity’s second-straight playoff berth.

“It was really fun for me to be so hands-on with everyone,” El said. “Once [varsity head] coach [Sam] Benitez told them that I was going to be there, they all bought into the idea of me being there. Varsity has really taken advantage of me being around. I think the freshmen are still getting used to me.”

This article appears in the March Issue of VYPE Magazine. Pick up your copy when issues hit stands next week! 

 

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CJ Stroud was back in action on Tuesday! Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images.

CJ Stroud put a lot of Texans fans at ease when he showed up to mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and participated in throwing drills. Many were concerned that Stroud might have received surgery in the offseason, and that was keeping him from throwing at voluntary OTAs last week. But Stroud put that narrative to bed, denying any offseason surgery.

Stroud told the media that he's been working on getting his body right this offseason, focusing on, among other things, lowering his body fat, improving his hip flexibility, and gaining speed.

CJ implied that the extra training this offseason might have been a factor in the soreness that kept him from throwing last week, but that should be expected. Pushing your body can sometimes lead to soreness, but it's not anything to be worried about.

He also said he had been throwing prior to minicamp on Tuesday, but this is the first time the media has been around to witness it.

Thoughts on the new system

CJ had positive things to say about the Texans' new OC Nick Caley. He pointed out that he cares more about the "person" than the system. He likes the energy from his new OC, even saying Caley calls him frequently, but doesn't always answer because Caley is “always yelling.”

Stroud also confirmed that the new offense allows him to have more control at the line of scrimmage, something we heard he was wanting last season.

Caley and CJ have watched old videos from 2003 and 2004 of Tom Brady working with Josh McDaniels. They believe this will help Stroud learn how to take “ownership” of the protections.

You can watch the full interview in the video below.

So what else happened at mandatory minicamp?

Newly signed running back Nick Chubb participated in drills. Head coach DeMeco Ryans credited GM Nick Caserio with signing the four-time Pro Bowler.

How did the receivers look?

The big play of the day came from 2nd round receiver Jayden Higgins, who caught this pass from Stroud against Kamari Lassister. This looks like a connection the Texans will count on for years to come.

3rd rounder Jaylin Noel was in attendance but didn't participate.

Nico Collins and Stroud appear to be in midseason form.

Anything new with the offensive line?

Not really. The Texans lineup up from left to right with Cam Robinson, Laken Tomlinson, Jake Andrews, Tytus Howard, and Blake Fisher. Later on, rookie Aireontae Ersery got some work in at left tackle.

The Texans will wrap up minicamp Wednesday, and we'll keep you in the loop with any further developments.

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