Empowering Youth Voices: F.L. Schlagle Girls Basketball Shines at Jegna Klub Headquarters
- Moses Wyatt
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When the F.L. Schlagle Girls Basketball Team walked into the Jegna Klub Headquarters, they weren’t just stepping into a studio—they were stepping into an opportunity to amplify their voices, share their stories, and connect with peers in a transformative space. Hosted by JegnaTalk: For Youth By Youth, the interview was more than a media moment; it was a celebration of leadership, confidence, and community.
Breaking the Ice: From Nervous to Natural
Before the cameras rolled, players admitted feeling nervous. “I’m not used to doing a lot of talking in front of people,” shared Janya Richardson, reflecting the common apprehension of speaking publicly. Similarly, Taraji Byers confessed, “I felt nervous because I’m not really good when it comes to speaking to people I don’t know and I have social anxiety.” But as the conversation unfolded, something powerful happened: the nerves melted away. Janya described how the experience shifted from intimidating to enjoyable: “As the questions kept coming, I got more comfortable, and it started to feel like a normal conversation.” Taraji echoed that sentiment, saying, “I started out nervous but as we moved more into it I felt more comfortable and I had a lot of fun.”
The Magic of Connection
What made the difference? Connection. Janya highlighted her favorite part: “Throughout the experience, I was able to connect with others around the same age as me, which made me more comfortable.” Taraji added that discussing something she loves—basketball—was empowering: “Getting to have a conversation about something you like/love to other people and making an influence on them.” This is the essence of JegnaTalk: creating a safe, engaging space where youth voices matter. It’s not just about interviews; it’s about building confidence and fostering dialogue that resonates beyond the studio.
One Word to Sum It Up
When asked to describe the day in one word, Janya chose “amazing”: “I enjoyed myself, and I feel like it was definitely worth my time.” Taraji’s word was “lesson”, explaining, “I learned and gained a lot of new insights from the experience.” These reflections underscore the impact of experiential learning—something Jegna Klub champions through its Connecting The Dottes Internship Program and media platforms like Jegna Klub TV Network (available on Amazon, Roku, Apple, Android and iOS) and JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio, which is syndicated on 152 stations globally and reaches over 8 million listeners monthly.
Coaches’ Perspective: Growth Beyond the Court
For Head Coach Rufus Parker, the day exceeded expectations: “I was very proud of the way they conducted themselves with a professional demeanor, while still showcasing their bright personalities.” He praised the interns for keeping the players engaged and noted the welcoming environment: “The arrangement of the recording studio and waiting room gave various options for comfortability and preparation.” Assistant Coach Michael Knight emphasized the real-world value: “This experience connected our athletes to real-world learning opportunities. It also provided them a unique opportunity to see an agency in our community doing transformative work.” He was impressed by the interns’ skill and the behind-the-scenes professionalism: “The pre-production and the preparation were next level!” Both coaches agreed: the experience wasn’t just fun—it was formative. It strengthened social skills, boosted confidence, and offered a glimpse into careers in media and communications, aligning perfectly with Jegna Klub’s mission to build youth for the future.
Why It Matters
In an era where youth voices often go unheard, JegnaTalk: For Youth By Youth on platforms like Jegna Klub TV and JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio are game-changers. They don’t just spotlight talent—they cultivate it. By pairing student-athletes with youth interns, Jegna Klub creates a cycle of empowerment: interns gain hands-on media experience, while athletes learn to articulate their stories and leadership values. As Taraji put it, the day was a lesson—and for Janya, it was amazing. For the coaches, it was proof that community partnerships can transform lives. And for Jegna Klub, it was another step toward its vision: building a community of individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset who are economically independent and operating in harmony.
Interview Spotlight on JEGNAFEST Worldwide Radio
On 103.7 DaBeat:
Saturday November 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm CST & Wednesday November 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm CST
On The Ryan Show FM:
Thursday November 27, 2025 at 10:00 pm CST
Click Link - https://www.thejegnaklub.org/jktv-weouthere
Watch the Full Interview on Jegna Klub TV Network
Catch the complete conversation on Friday November 28, 2025
Jegna Klub TV Network, Download it now!
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Great article. Deep dive into the insights of our youth.