For those who have worn a high school jersey, the memories run deep — the roar of the crowd, the grueling practices, and, most of all, the coach who believed in them before they believed in themselves. In Terrell ISD, that bond is as strong as ever. It’s why seven Tiger alumni returned — not just to their hometown, but to the same fields, courts, and hallways where their own dreams began. Now, they stand where their mentors once stood, ready to inspire the next generation of Tigers.
For Kimber Ellis, Alayna Marroquin, Tonisha Dean, Jherrod Stiggers, Chante Threets Carter, Carnell Horn, and Dawonya Tucker, coming home to coach was an easy decision. Each is determined to help build and strengthen a Terrell Tiger athletic program for which the community can be proud.
Volleyball coach Kimber Ellis is just three years removed from high school. A 2022 graduate, she took advantage of dual credit to finish college in only three years. “To be able to come back and serve in the community where I was raised means everything to me,” she said. “It can be challenging at times, but I’m fortunate to have the support of colleagues who share tips on holding students accountable while building their confidence.”
Soccer coach Alayna Marroquin is looking to make history as a coach at Terrell High School. A 2020 graduate, she was part of the class whose senior traditions were cut short by COVID. Still, she helped lead Terrell girls soccer to two consecutive regional tournaments. Now, her sights are set even higher. “My goal is for our girls to claim a state championship,” she said. “They need a female role model who believes in them and pushes them to be better every day.”
Girls and boys assistant basketball coaches Tonisha Dean and Jherrod Stiggers both graduated in 2011. Dean remembers the instability of having a new coach each year. “I want these girls to have something consistent,” she said. “I’ve walked these halls. We’ve had a lot of coaches come and go… and it stops now.” Stiggers recalls the brotherhood that held his team together. “We knew we had to stick together,” he said. “Even when we didn’t make the playoffs, the gym was packed. Our dream is to bring back packed stands.” Stiggers was inducted into the Terrell Hall of Fame in 2021.
For Chante Threets Carter, a 1998 graduate and girls track coach, passing down the wisdom she once received is a privilege. “I was taught that anybody can be beaten on any given day,” she said. “With structure and discipline, you never have to fear competition.” Carter was inducted into the Terrell Tiger Hall of Fame in 2020.
Carnell Horn, a 1991 graduate, is the veteran of the group. Known affectionately as “Coach Boogaloo,” he began volunteering with the Tigers in 1995 and went full-time in 2003. He’s coached every one of the alumni coaches. “I’m on my third generation of coaches,” he said. “I’ve watched hundreds of kids come through this program and seeing them evolve into coaches is amazing.”
Finally, Dawonya Tucker, a 2016 graduate, football coach, and 2023 Terrell Hall of Fame inductee, helped turn around the football program during his playing days. “We hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2010, and in my senior year we finally made it back,” he said. “I’m here to help build a program that wins — and keeps winning.”
For Terrell ISD Athletic Director Marvin Sedberry, hiring homegrown coaches has always been a priority. “Coaches who are alumni bring a deep, personal connection to our culture, values, and traditions,” he said. "As alumni, they’ve walked the same halls, worn the same jersey, and felt the same pride. They don’t just teach our traditions — they embody them.”
The pride these coaches feel for their hometown is undeniable:
“I wanted to return to Terrell. It was always the plan.” — Dawonya Tucker“I just did not want to give up on my community. I did not want to leave Terrell.” — Carnell Horn
“Terrell is its own culture — of course I was coming back.” — Jherrod Stiggers
And perhaps Coach Carter says it best: “I tell my girls all the time that we run as ONE. For us who have come home to coach, Terrell is our ONE.”