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Mikki Clayton,
Student-Athlete
Vaughn Wilson,
Capital Outlook Newspaper,
www.capitaloutlook.com
Mickey
Clayton is a name known to many Tallahasseans. He guided the FAMU
Rattlerettes and Rattlers as head basketball coach for decades. His
Rattlerettes outnumber those put in the FAMU Hall of Fame by any other
coach. He guided the Rattlers to an NCAA berth after storming through the
MEAC Tournament in 1999.
Mikki “KK” Clayton is now known for her handling of the basketball at
North Florida Christian (NFC) after helping the Lady Eagles to the state
high school championship game.
Mikki was a three-year starter at Florida State High School before moving
to NFC this year. The junior guard is drawing interest from some mid-level
Division I schools including Hampton, Univ. of Central Florida and North
Carolina A&T. Sometimes she isn't sure that she wants to play basketball
in college, but other times she is excited about the possibilities. She
felt a definite change in the attitude of the schools because at Florida
State High School they always hoped to win, but she felt like when she
came to NFC, she was expected to win, even though the girls team had never
been to the state championship before.
Mickey still works at FAMU most recently in the division of student
activities, but battles his natural instincts as a coach with his being a
parent in the stands. “I coach AAU basketball, but it is difficult
watching her (Mikki) high school games at times without wanting to convey
my coaching side,” he said. Clayton wanted to retire from coaching
altogether but his daughters Maya, a freshman at FAMU, Mikki, and younger
daughter Milan wouldn't let him off that easy. They demanded that dad
teach them all he knew, and with youngest daughter Milan just 12 years
old, dad has some years left in his coaching responsibilities.
Dad says the relationship with his daughters has flourished under the
unique circumstances. The sport allows them additional involvement than
many parents don't have with their kids. The excitement of Mikki after
winning the first round of the state high school championship series was a
bonding point. The expectation and excitement of playing for the
championship was a new feeling for Mikki, but was old hat for Mickey.
Mickey currently coaches the
Tallahassee
Comets
girls AAU basketball team. Its players are 11,13,15 & 16 years old. His
stern coaching is what Mikki, Myah, and Milan credits their success,
competitiveness, and closeness to.
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