Jonelle Polk McCloud is very familiar with that rewarding feeling of success in achieving personal goals. Her accomplishments are many, both on and off the basketball court, and in and out of the classroom. She has the trophies, certificates and diplomas indicative of sports and academic achievements. Manager at Peoria Park District’s Proctor Recreation Center in Peoria for the past seven years, Jonelle, 48, is more interested in detailing the accomplishments of the young people in her life than her own.

“Someone was helping me when I was growing up, and I want to help others,” says Jonelle. “I didn’t get to where I am today by myself. People helped, and I want to give back to the community.”

Growing up in Peoria, she was a student at Whittier Grade School and Manual High School. She graduated from the University of Illinois winning the Big Ten’s Medal of Honor in 1987 signifying excellence in both athletics and academics. After graduation she played professional basketball in Italy and France, and later earned a Master’s Degree in physical education and coaching from Northern Illinois University. She was an assistant coach at Florida State where she met her future husband, Daniel McCloud. Her collegiate coaching included Northern Illinois, Florida State and Bradley University.

She and Daniel are the parents of two daughters, Jonae, 15, and Jaida, 11. Her efforts at giving back to the community have taken root in a travel basketball team called the J.E.M.S., Journey to Empowerment through Motivation and Self-esteem. “Basketball teaches discipline on and off the court. Through the avenue of basketball, young people can learn life skills. Growing up can be difficult, and this helps empower young women,” Jonelle says enthusiastically. J.E.M.S., established in 2006, helps to “motivate youth to actively engage in the positive aspect of team sports.” J.E.M.S. enjoys a long-standing relationship with area community centers and schools, and through this relationship is able to offer affordable basketball opportunities to students ages 8-15. The goal and mission are to “teach the fundamentals of basketball while developing strong, confident young ladies. Team members will learn the importance of community involvement by participating in service hours and speakers will come in to add the motivation they need to achieve their basketball goals.”

Jonelle says, “Growing up can be difficult. We want to empower young women to be respectful and to love themselves.” In addition to playing basketball, the girls are involved in service projects, and in fund raising to help offset expenses. “This takes a big commitment from the parents also,” stresses Jonelle. There are now five teams comprised of some 40 to 45 girls. They practice at Proctor Center and various other gyms throughout the community. There are four coaches, all volunteers, doing a large variety of tasks. “We love the game of basketball and are trying to help young girls out,” she explains. The majority of the girls are from District 150, but also include girls from Pekin, Morton, Washington, East Peoria, Farmington, and Peoria.

“All of this includes more than just basketball. Hard work, discipline, going beyond what you think you can do and pushing yourself past what you think you can do.” Speaking proudly of the girls, Jonelle says they’ve worked on a blood drive at Proctor Center. “You could see these girls in a different light,” as they helped with all the details of the project. Fundraisers have included garage sales, car washes and cookie dough sales. Monetary donations are also accepted and funds will be used for uniforms, entry fees to tournaments and other items.

“We continue trying to get the word out more about the girls and the teams,” says Jonelle. She believes young people feel a bit more pressure now than they did when she was growing up, although she remembers having self-esteem issues. She encourages parents to be involved in their children’s lives, and to know who their friends are. “As a parent, you have to sacrifice, but I believe it pays off in the end.” She also cautions parents about not wanting to live out their dreams through their children. “That can hinder,” she says with conviction.

In addition to her work at Proctor Center, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame and for the American Red Cross. She and her husband, who is working on his doctorate degree, and their daughters live in Peoria. She also speaks proudly of Proctor Center with its programs for kids and seniors, and special monthly events. “When you’re inside Proctor, we take care of you. We’re a Safe Haven.”

Giving back to the community is paramount to Jonelle. So is being involved with her family and the J.E.M.S, her work at Proctor Center, and helping others. She is adamant about being around positive people. “Surround yourself with people of like minds,” she says. Such positive thinking, believing, and living are fundamental for positive outcomes and achieving one’s goals.