About – Prepare 2 Fly

About Us

Prepare2Fly is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering students and athletes through mentorship, academic support, and community initiatives. Founded by Coach Tricia Hensley, a seasoned jump specialist, Prepare2Fly offers services such as private coaching, college preparation assistance, and programs like Sole Mates, which provides new shoes to students in need. The organization also hosts family-friendly events like the Holiday Hustle and Color Me Happy Fun Run to foster community engagement. Prepare2Fly aims to inspire individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Hey there, I’m Tricia Maddux-Hensley

Get to know me!

Prepare2Fly began with my journey as a private jump coach for track and field. While helping athletes improve their performance, I found myself mentoring them on deeper, life-impacting topics—overcoming obstacles, setting goals, and handling setbacks and mental challenges. My passion for helping others grow and thrive began to flourish.

As I worked with these young athletes, I noticed that many lacked a support system to guide them through the college admissions and athletic recruitment process. Drawing from my experience as a College and Career Content Specialist, I started assisting them with researching colleges, creating social media profiles, designing standout résumés, writing cover letters, and preparing for conversations with recruiting coaches.

That sparked a transformative realization: If the few athletes I’m coaching need this kind of support, there must be so many more who could benefit from it. I began collaborating with school athletic departments, offering workshops on college research, goal setting, résumé writing, and interview preparation. As my efforts grew, so did my vision for what Prepare2Fly could achieve.

One moment stands out as a turning point. While coaching a young man, I noticed he wasn’t wearing appropriate shoes for practice. When I asked him about it, he repeatedly said, “They’re in the locker room.” After a few days, I realized the truth—he didn’t own the proper shoes and was too proud to admit it. I reached out to a fellow coach and friend, an Athletic Director, who provided a pair in the exact size needed. When I gave the shoes to the young man, his gratitude moved me to tears. That experience inspired me to start Sole Mates, a program designed to provide footwear to those in need. If one athlete needed shoes, I knew there had to be many more facing the same challenge.

During a meeting about Sole Mates, I was introduced to Pastor Audice Leon Wallace. He immediately recognized my passion and vision as aligned with his own. When I shared what the Lord had laid on my heart, he was inspired to support the mission. Together, we united to expand Prepare2Fly’s reach, equipping individuals with tools to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and live with purpose.

Prepare2Fly has evolved from my heart as a coach driven to help others succeed into a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and communities. From mentoring and equipping athletes to fostering unity and growth across cultural barriers, we are committed to inspiring people to reach beyond what they believe is possible.

Get In Touch

01

02

03

04 My Values

01

02

03

"I am extremely blessed to have had Coach Maddux as my track coach throughout my high school years. Although my main sport was volleyball, I fell in love with track because of Coach Maddux. She made the sport come alive for me and, more importantly, she made me believe in myself. I will forever be grateful for how much she poured into me. She treated me like I was her own daughter, always offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Every day, no matter what, she maintained a positive attitude that inspired me to do the same. It didn’t matter how many mistakes I made or how many times I faltered; Coach Maddux always reminded me that each day was a fresh start to improve and perfect my performance on the long jump runway. Coach Maddux taught me the true meaning of hard work and perseverance, showing me that reaching your goals is not just about talent, but about dedication and never giving up. I never imagined I would make it to the regional finals, but I did – and I did it because of her belief in me. Her guidance was more than just athletic; it shaped the way I approach challenges in life. She instilled values of resilience, determination, and a mindset that success comes from continuous effort. Now, as a second-grade teacher, I carry these same lessons with me every day. I strive to pour into the future of society the way Coach Maddux poured into me, helping shape young minds with the same care, positivity, and encouragement she gave me. Her impact on my life continues to guide me, and I will always be grateful for the role she played in my journey."

"I started jumping with Coach Hensley when I was a high school freshman, through a friend's recommendation. My experience jumping with her has been nothing but amazing! The quests she gave me were simple and easy to follow and if I didn’t understand something she would walk me through it and find basic ways to help explain what she was wanting me to achieve. When it came time to start applying for college, Coach Hensley worked with me on how to apply to colleges and what to look for in a college; she even helped me with a jumper’s portfolio and taught me how to reach out to coaches. One day I remember showing up to practice and I was stressed about classes and not feeling well that day and before I was even done with warm-up she pulled me aside and pointed out how she noticed I wasn't fully present and asked if I needed to take this day off and rest. I felt so seen at that moment and was very thankful for her being attentive to my needs even through practice was a bit out of the way for her. I am currently a senior high jumper in college, and till this day, I still remember her quest while I jump, and she continually reaches out to me, simply to check up on me, to ask how my meets have been, and to congratulate me on accomplishments."

"Coach Hensley was one of the best coaches I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with. She was an integral part in helping me achieve my goals of becoming a collegiate athlete. She’s patient and knowledgeable and takes the time to explain how each exercise will impact and improve performance. I could not recommend her more to anyone at any stage of experience beginner to expert."