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She's Leahjean Marie Denley, MBA 

Born and raised on the Southside of Minneapolis, MN, Leahjean Marie Denley—affectionately known as CoachLeahTM—is a visionary leader committed to empowering arts, academic, and athletic organizations through strategic, culturally diverse programming. With an unwavering dedication to education, mentorship, and community development, she continues to create transformational opportunities that inspire, empower, and elevate.

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Championing a Global Sisterhood

A lifelong advocate for mentorship and leadership development, CoachLeah co-founded Tall Girls United (TGU)—a global membership organization that began as a labor of love and has grown into a powerful movement for tall women and girls worldwide. The TGU Fund (501c3) is dedicated to mentorship, empowerment, and scholarship opportunities, ensuring young women receive the guidance and support needed to excel.

 

As part of its mission, TGU hosts its flagship event, the Wellness, Wealth, and Winning Conference, aligning with major sporting events like the NCAA Women's Final Four annually. Proceeds from the conference directly benefit the TGU Fund’s mentorship initiatives, equipping the next generation of tall leaders with the confidence and resources to succeed. Learn more at TallGirlsUnited.com.

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A Legacy of Excellence

A former elite-level scholar-athlete, CoachLeah blends her competitive spirit with a passion for creative and technical writing, spectator sports, interior design, and family-focused living.

 

Her extensive leadership background includes serving as Athletic Director for the Texas Christian Athletic League (T*CAL) and Coalition Advisor for Houston Responds. A dedicated member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (WABC), she has worked as a Graphics Coordinator for the Communications & Technologies Ministry and continues to provide administrative and livestream production support.

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Athletic Achievements

A standout at Washburn High School, CoachLeah was a three-sport All-Conference athlete, named one of USA Today's Top 50 All-Americans, and held the Minneapolis City Conference’s all-time leading scorer title in girls' basketball for a decade. She played a pivotal role in leading the Washburn Lady Millers to three consecutive Minnesota State Championships.

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Continuing her athletic career at Tennessee Technological University, she played Division I basketball under legendary coaches Marynell Meadors and Bill Worrell, competing at a national level from 1984–1987. She earned a B.S. in Speech Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Fashion Merchandising, shaping a diverse and dynamic professional path.

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Leadership & Impact

In 2019, CoachLeah was recognized as one of 40 national Emerging Leaders by the American Express Leadership Academy. She further deepened her commitment to servant leadership through the Spiritual Warrior Training for Self-Mastery in 2020, led by Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, host of IYANLA: Fix My Life on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

 

That same year during the pandemic, she earned certification as a Mental Health Coach and Advocate through the Green Heart University and even deepened  her commitment to relevant impact earning a

Mental Health First Aid recertification in February 2025.