Capturing growth and dedication: Keisha Boston Gallagher on "We are Thrill"
Keisha Boston Gallagher’s love for youth sports began on the basketball court and it only deepened when her daughter joined Team Thrill. As an award-winning filmmaker and former teacher, Gallagher has found the perfect way to combine her passion for storytelling with her love for sports.
Her own youth sports journey started with her first love, basketball, and extended to softball and flag football. These experiences shaped her understanding of teamwork, dedication, and the ups and downs of playing as a young athlete.
Gallagher’s connection to Team Thrill inspired her to bring their story to life.
I would watch Coach Qiana [Cheatham], I would watch the girls, and I would think to myself, this is a story
From that vision, “We Are Thrill” was born. The series, which premiered on Nov. 16, follows the team through a season of tournaments, games and practices, highlighting the skill, commitment and camaraderie of the girls on and off the court. Throughout the series, Coach Qiana works to build both confident players and strong young women.
For Gallagher, the team has become like a family. As she’s capturing games and practices, she emphasizes the importance of making Coach Qiana and the team proud.
The series offers valuable takeaways for parents and coaches. Gallagher hopes the series serves as reassurance for anyone navigating youth sports: "You're not alone. We're all going through the same thing."
She acknowledges the challenges of travel, coaching, and competition in youth sports.
Hopefully this will just encourage people to just keep trusting the process because it's going to take patience.
For young athletes, she wants them to see relatable role models and feel inspired to keep playing their sport.
“I hope they just see people who are like them," she said.
Filming also brought unforgettable moments. Gallagher recalls the girls meeting Kim Mulkey. Capturing their pure, authentic joy was a beautiful moment for her.
As the team dives into their new season, Gallagher emphasizes that this series is not about undefeated records or championships.
This isn't a team where it's going to be, oh, we won every game. That's not going to be it. This is all about growth.
It celebrates the importance of growth, perseverance, and dedication.
Watch the first episode of Team Thrill here.
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