Adventist Athletes

MOM THE AGENT

Gwendolyn Reasor Johnson is probably looking forward to Oakwood University’s Graduation, on May 8, 2026, just like any other parent in her shoes. Her daughter, Alicia Reasor, is graduating. Not only is this a milestone for a parent’s child. Graduation symbolizes the culmination of emotional and financial investment, and continued sacrifice. That should be enough. But there is a hidden layer to this story. Mom the agent.

Since middle school, Alicia has been an athlete. She played basketball and ran track at Pleasant Grove in Birmingham, Alabama. However, track was first, then it became an outlet to basketball and school. She also played AAU basketball (Alabama Twisters) while she ran track and played basketball for her high school, Thompson High. Alicia said she enjoyed AAU the most, where she played with and against childhood friends. AAU gives athletes a chance to travel and show their athletic abilities and skills to college coaches around the U.S.

Alicia’s mom has always been proud of her athletic abilities. Early 2022, Adventist Athletes noticed a few Facebook posts of her daughter playing basketball at Thompson. With most of   the Adventist Athletics staff having coached SDA high school basketball, one reached out, “Hello there. Been watching from a distance your posts about your daughter and basketball. Impressive.” The former coach shared he could contact some SDA College Coaches if she was interested.   Her response, “Absolutely … that would be awesome …”. She added, “I have film that I can send too. Just let me know. “. Mom was ready. It was impressive that she not only had film but was ready to send it too. That’s what sports agents do. They help navigate the recruitment process.

Mom knew what she and her daughter wanted and kept navigating the best way she knew how. Apparently, they had been reaching out to SDA colleges but had not received any basketball info but only to apply for school. Next, as mom said she would, she sent Adventist Athletes not only clips of Alicia’s games at Thompson, but also her measurables: (5’6”), stats (20 ppg, 4.5 apg). After watching the video, Adventist Athletes replied to mom, “Oh those are good numbers. Thanks. Will start connecting today.” 

Four days later, Adventist Athletes and an Oakwood University Athletic Recruiter had connected. Alicia’s name already had been mentioned to him. The recruiter had coached with the Alabama Twisters for years in the past. He had contacts there. He said he would reach out to Alicia’s mom and the Twisters that night. After connecting and sometime later working out for Oakwood, she was offered a scholarship.

Now, four years later, and 3 of those years at Oakwood, Alicia is waiting to graduate. Her first year was at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama where she also played basketball. Adventist Athletes asked Alicia to look back at her Oakwood experience and share. She believes Oakwood University is a friendly campus. She appreciated the academic help provided. She also made good friends that she plans to continue to keep in touch with. Looks like Oakwood was good for Alicia. Regarding life in general, Alicia shared it is “all of what you make it” and “remain who you are”. Alicia seems to be a well-grounded young lady that is not only happy and looking forward to graduation but the work force as well.

And of course, Alicia’s mom, and her agent, Gwendolyn Reasor Johnson is happy. She is happy because Alicia is graduating and, “…she went to an SDA school”. Attending an SDA school was important to mom. “I wanted her to be able to play the sport that she loved without having to play on the Sabbath, most important, and her spiritual experience at an SDA college or university.” Mom, the mom, and mom the agent kept working at it. She found a way when she thought there was no way.

Does this story sound familiar to you. Do you want to play, but not on the Sabbath? Don’t know who to contact? Adventist Athletes can help you. Our Recruiting Page will be ready soon, in the meantime click Contacts and send us an email.