Antonio Wright
Antonio Wright
Antonio is better known as Coach Wright these days, a title that depicts his dedication to give back and share his talents with others. A gifted football player, he excelled in high school and went on to play for Hinds Community College, helping his team win the national championship in 1994. He then continued his education at Mississippi College and Jackson State University.
On February 2, 1997, Antonio was in a life-changing motor vehicle accident. He was thrown from the car and, as a result of his injuries, he became paralyzed from the waist down. While struggling through the difficult recovery, exactly one month after his accident, his brother Ahmad Wright, 19, was murdered. Antonio received the horrific news his brother was shot one time in the chest and his body was burned beyond recognition. Antonio chose to power through this difficult time and feels he became a more productive citizen after his accident and the tragic loss of his brother.
A little more than a year later Antonio married the love of his life, Mahalia, and finished his degree in physical education at Jackson State University. He then coached football for four years there and another three at Provine High School, his alma mater. He later coached at three other high schools, sharing his love of football and being a role model to his students and faculty alike.
Antonio is also a certified personal trainer, a strength conditioning coach and gives motivational speeches all over the country. He is a spokesman for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is very involved in the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
Coach Wright lives by his motto “Tough times don’t last long, but God’s people do.”
A man who truly lives by example, he is now training with Instructor Martha Lewis of Tanks Dive Shop in Flowood, Mississippi.