About Samarie

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From National Contender to Global Pro

I fell in love with the game early. In high school, I became one of the top basketball prospects in the country, earning McDonald’s All-American recognition and competing on some of the biggest stages. That passion took me to UConn, where I trained under championship-level standards before transferring to the University of Kentucky, becoming a standout player in the SEC.

After college, I took my career overseas — playing professionally in Europe, Australia, and beyond, learning different styles of the game, different cultures, and what elite performance really requires. Those years shaped me not only as an athlete, but as a leader, mentor, and student of human performance.

The Turning Point

When my playing career ended, I hit a wall that most athletes are never prepared for — post-athlete depression, identity loss, and the mental crash that comes when the sport you’ve built your whole life around suddenly disappears.

Training — real, intentional, mind-body training — saved my life.

I realized that movement, mindset work, and daily discipline were not just tools for staying “in shape.” They were anchors for mental clarity, emotional stability, confidence, and empowerment. That experience became the foundation of my entire coaching philosophy.

Developing and Demanding Excellence Through Consistency: 

Through Top Notch Training and Wellness, I train high performers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who want to dominate life the way I once dominated the court. I’ve expanded my work into:

• 1:1 and small-group coaching
• Athlete mental skills development
• A podcast sharing real conversations about growth, mindset, healing, and performance
• Custom training programs for schools, teams, and organizations
• My clothing line, KREATIVE Kings, built to inspire confidence, expression, and excellence

My work blends my experiences as a pro athlete, trainer, creative director, and coach to help people thrive on a deeper level.

Beyond the Gym

I’m more than a trainer — I’m a creator, traveler, mentor, and lover of good energy.

I’m obsessed with:

• My family (my foundation)
• Sports
• Good food (Chicago eats hit different)
• Traveling + exploring culture
• Nature, beaches & dogs
• The city of Chicago, my second home

Whether I’m coaching an athlete, designing a brand campaign, recording a podcast, or hiking a trail, everything I do is rooted in connection, creativity, and excellence.

Why Clients Work With Me

People don’t come to me just to train — they come to be transformed.

Clients choose me because I bring:

• Elite-level coaching blended with deep life experience
• A mindset-first approach backed by real psychology
• A story they trust and relate to
• The intensity of a pro athlete and the compassion of a mentor
• Creativity and energy that makes the journey fun, inspiring, and life-changing

High-performing clients want someone who’s been where they’re trying to go — physically, mentally, and professionally. I’ve lived it, I’ve overcome it, and now I teach it.