In this episode of 21, we talk with Coach DeAntoine “Cat” Beasley. Cat is the Assistant Coach for the women’s basketball team at the University of Dayton.  (Go Flyers!)

Cat’s journey to Dayton is truly inspirational.  He hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Tennessee Tech.  In 1999, while playing basketball for Tech, Cat was diagnosed with lymphoma.  He underwent chemotherapy while. balancing basketball and his studies.  Cat was healed, and his physical strength was only surpassed by his mental fortitude.  He attributes his love for basketball and his family as the driving forces for him to get well.

Post college, Cat went to the UK and played 7 years with the Plymouth Raiders.   Cat then retired from his playing career to start his next chapter asa coach.  And he did so in place that was very familiar to him, by joining the coaching staff at his alma mater, Tennessee Tech.

Eventually, Cat’s path led him to his current position at Dayton.  While this was Cat’s first experience coaching women, he will be the first to tell you that basketball is basketball, and he considers himself fortunate to coach a team of players who are talented, driven, and coachable.

Enjoy this episode of 21 and add the Dayton Flyers women’s basketball team to your watch list for the upcoming season!