When you talk about basketball icons who changed the game, Coach Semeka Randall Lay belongs in that conversation. From her Cleveland roots to the bright lights of Knoxville, and now leading the charge at Winthrop University, her story is one of grit, greatness, and growth.
In this episode of SportsLifeTalk’s You Got Next, hosts Head Coach KT and B Jones sit down with “Hard to Handle Randall” — one of the fiercest competitors ever to wear the orange and white — to unpack her journey from backyard battles to championship glory, from playing under the legendary Pat Summitt to carving her own legacy as a head coach.
Semeka Randall’s story starts in Cleveland, Ohio, where her competitive spirit was forged in a neighborhood game called booty — a no-mercy test of toughness that left no room for fear. That same fire carried her to high school dominance, becoming a two-time Ohio Ms. Basketball and Parade All-American, before committing to play for the University of Tennessee.
At Tennessee, Randall became part of one of the most iconic trios in women’s college basketball — the legendary “Three Meeks” alongside Tamika Catchings and Chamique Holdsclaw. Together, they brought unmatched energy, intensity, and championship DNA to the Lady Vols, guided by the late, great Coach Pat Summitt.
Randall’s defensive ferocity and emotional leadership made her a fan favorite — and a nightmare for opponents. Whether she was racking up eight steals in a rivalry game or saluting Geno Auriemma after a dagger jumper, she played with pure heart and swagger. “I just wanted to beat his butt,” she laughs.
After hanging up her sneakers, Coach Randall transitioned to the sidelines — and like any true competitor, she started from the bottom. She laughs about her rookie coaching mistakes (“I forgot the game tape once!”), but those early days taught her resilience, patience, and purpose.
As an assistant at Michigan State, she helped guide the Spartans to a national championship appearance, solidifying her reputation as a brilliant recruiter and motivator. Her journey would take her through several programs before finding a true home at Winthrop University.
Today, Coach Randall Lay is redefining what it means to build a program from the ground up. Since taking over at Winthrop, she’s delivered the school’s first winning season in a decade and is determined to restore pride to Eagle Nation. Her leadership mantra? “Why not Winthrop?”
She’s building more than a team — she’s creating a culture. One rooted in discipline, defense, and belief. “I’ll go through a brick wall for my student-athletes,” she says — and her players would do the same for her. With her contract extended through 2028, the best is yet to come.
🔥 Compete in everything — whether it’s a game, a drill, or life itself.
💪 Embrace the grind — greatness takes patience, not shortcuts.
❤️ Relationships matter — from Pat Summitt’s mentorship to her bond with her players, connection is the foundation of success.
🧘♀️ Find your “Woosah” — peace and passion can coexist.
From Cleveland to Knoxville to Rock Hill, Coach Randall Lay’s story reminds us what happens when preparation meets purpose. Her journey continues to inspire players, fans, and dreamers everywhere who believe in the power of perseverance.
🎙️ Tune in to hear:
What it was like playing under Pat Summitt
Behind-the-scenes stories from the Tennessee dynasty
How she rebuilt Winthrop into a winner
The mindset that keeps her motivated every day
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🏀 From Backyard Battles to National Stardom🔥 Tennessee Royalty: The “Three Meeks” Era🏆 From Player to Playmaker: The Coaching Journey🦅 Leading the Winthrop Eagles: Building a Legacy💡 Lessons from “Hard to Handle Randall”🌟 The Future Is Bright📣 Join the Movement