Faith Academy forward Juliette Fisher signs with Huston-Tillotson
Huston-Tillotson University women's basketball coach Maurice Callis (standing) puts on a pair of sunglasses to illustrate the brightness of his new signee, Faith Academy of Marble Falls forward Juliette Fisher (seated, second from left) during a signing ceremony June 3. Also attending the event are Faith Academy head girls basketball coach Jerry English (seated, left) and Fisher's parents, Julie and William Tumblin. Courtesy photo
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — When Juliette Fisher attended her first practice as a member of the Faith Academy girls basketball team during her freshman, head coach Jerry English put her through a 5-on-5 drill and told one group to play offense and the other defense. Fisher didn’t understand the terms and needed him to explain the difference between the two.
What a difference four years make.
Fisher, who graduated May 16, signed to play women’s basketball for Huston-Tillotson University on June 3.
In celebration of the event, Lady Rams head coach Maurice Callis stood up and put on a pair of sunglasses.
“Juliette’s future is so bright,” he quipped, “I have to wear shades.”
After the ceremony finished, the two and Fisher’s family went to the gymnasium at First Baptist Church in Marble Falls, where Callis gave the player her summer workout and told her what he wanted her to do.
“I have a heart for basketball,” she said. “It’s the thing I always wanted to do.”
English regards Fisher as one of the most naturally gifted players he has coached, noting her signing shows her hard work, effort and desire to learn the sport. And that, he said, is encouraging to him as the head coach of the Lady Flames.
“I think she is a true diamond in the rough,” he said. “I think JJ’s upside is transcendent if she comes with a great attitude. I think she can play. I’m very proud for her family.”
Fisher credits English for seeing something in her that propelled both of them to work together.
“I feel that I’ve grown more in my basketball experience,” she said. “Coach spent a lot of time with me. Coach English has taught hard work, dedication to the game and team work. I think I can bring that to Huston-Tillotson.”
The daughter of Julie and William Tumblin will major in psychology with the goal of helping troubled youth.
“There’s something about me,” she said. “I’m so compassionate.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com