Rav3n-Symon3 N3lson...

Miss Raven-Symone Nelson

Raven-Symone joined ILLINOIS X-CITEMENT in the beginning of 2006.  Coach X came out to see Raven play in elementary school, she was attending Harlan and in their 7th/8th grade program.  Her game was against the school where he was the former coach and still had players.  He talked to her mom Kim that day, and invited Raven out!  She fit in immediately because she could do the one thing Coach X loves...shoot the three-ball! The above picture is of Raven taking the ball to the basket at AUU Nationals, 2006.

Raven played her first AAU season with us on the BLACK team and this is the team picture from the parade at the opening ceremony.

Also pictured, Quina, Maryam, and Kayla, and Quira.

Raven is pictured with her team at Nationals at registration.  The team is pictured with the AAU Mascot (I think).  Again, on this team is Kayla, Maryan, Shaquina, and Shaquira.  This was the first time ILLINOIS X-CITEMENT had gone to AAU Nationals, and it was a great time for all!  Parents cooking dinner for the team in their rooms...who remembers taco night?

Raven inspecting this girl's pin! She is NOT trading the precious X-CITEMENT pin for some nonsense...lol! Great job Raven, do not let her get you with a sticker :)

The girls even had time to go to the MALL! This was all fun and games.  First time, Coach X was a little relaxed, but he still did not let the girls go to Chuck E. Cheese, which was across the street from the hotel.

At the Lady Lightning League in 2007, Raven scoring over Debra from Fire.  Way to get up Raven, I am sure we can count that as MONEY!

This was a big tournament for the program, this was the Cincy Super-Regional in 2007.  This was the tournament that we unveiled the new jerseys.  We came out game one, playing big and looking good.  Folks were impressed by our play and our style!

Ariel, Shaquina, Kayla, Shaquira, and Maryam are also pictured.

The Great American Showcase at the end of the summer 2007.  Played in Championship game with SIX girls and WON!  The girls played hard and resulted in a victory!

Raven ended 2007 by coming to the ILLINOIS X-CITEMENT Annual Christmas Party.  This is Raven receiving her gift from Coach X, with Xamiya in the background.

Raven, practicing at the UNC, before the Deep South Classic.  Always working hard!

Raven being Raven! Nice picture of X-CITEMENT Xamiya at Deep South, except Raven...are you sticking out your tongue?

Thirsty much?

2011s loading the bus to ATL.  Raven, with the glasses is pictured in the center. This was the last summer  tournament for the Seniors, and the first time to the A.  After this Fall, we will miss these young ladies.

Raven with Maryam, Shaquira, and Ariel in Atlanta.  We have seen them all develop into great young ladies on and off the court, the journey seemed long and a roller coaster at times, but well worth it!

Nationals 2006

Deep South 2010

Raven has always been a kid who loved her music and can always be found listening to her headphones. 

Raven-Symone has been an asset to the ILLINOIS X-CITEMENT program.  She become part of our family, and we have enjoyed the time she has spent here.  She has grown from a spot up shooter, who played NO defense, to an all around GREAT basketball player.  She has grown form the kid who did not have much to say, to the young lady who can talk to anyone.  We are sure that her parents Kim and Ricky are just as, if not more proud of their little girl who has grown into a beautiful young lady. 

Raven has committed to continuing her academic and basketball career at Eastern Michigan University.  We are so 'x-cited' to see Raven continue to grow on and off the court.  The EMU school and staff is getting a well-rounded individual who will only enhance their university.  Raven will succeed in all that she pursues, and we wish her the best senior year at Morgan Park.  How many college credits will you have? lol

Coach X and Quiana