Her Story
About LaSonja
LaSonja M. Collins, M.B.A., is an education professional and academic coach with experience spanning student-athlete development, teaching, educational intervention, virtual learning, progress monitoring, and school administration. She currently serves as an Academic Coach at Tru Elite Academy, where she instructs, facilitates, and monitors the academic progress of student-athletes. Her work focuses on helping students achieve academic success while developing accountability systems and using data-driven approaches to identify needs and support individual growth. Collins previously served as a TPA Virtual Learning Facilitator and Instructor with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she supported virtual students, monitored coursework, troubleshot technology and learning management systems, developed data-tracking processes, supported faculty, and facilitated online learning.
Collins began her professional career in education after developing a strong foundation as a student-athlete. She attended the University of Georgia on a track and field scholarship before continuing her education at North Carolina A&T and ultimately completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees online through American InterContinental University. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration and Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.82 GPA, followed by a Master of Business Administration with the same concentration. Her professional experience has included teaching, MTSS intervention, student progress monitoring, curriculum and instructional support, administrative support, and the development of systems for tracking student performance. She also holds a North Carolina High School Teacher License, credential ID 1191682.
Collins approaches education through a solutions-based and student-centered perspective shaped by her experience as an athlete. She credits her athletic mentality with teaching her to embrace challenges, seek solutions, create change, and remain focused on accomplishing meaningful goals. Her professional philosophy was also influenced by Dr. Eric Ward, who encouraged her to bring the energy and authenticity of coaching into the classroom and to create an environment where students can be themselves and grow alongside their educators. Collins values transparency, respect, and opportunity, and she is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for students and young athletes to succeed. Through academic coaching and mentorship, she continues to combine her educational, organizational, and leadership skills to support the next generation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LaSonja
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my mentality, because I was a student athlete. I love challenges and I'm always willing. I'm a solutions-based person. My drive as an athlete transformed into my professionalism, making sure that I attack everything that I do as an opportunity to create change. If there's a problem, you provide a solution or be a part of the solution. I always want to feel like I'm accomplishing something every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice came from my principal Dr. Eric Ward. He told me teachers are coaches so you can do this. Bring that same excitement you have on the track to the classroom. Just be yourself and allow them to see who you are so they can be who they are. We grow together.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It does not matter how we put on our shoes or what type of shoes we wear. It does not matter how we wear our hair. What matters is your opportunity to be a part of the change. Be yourself and be authentically yourself. The place that you're supposed to be, they will welcome you. They'll help you grow as you help them grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
When I was at Turning Point High School, I was a solutions-based person but the challenge was people not seeing a bigger vision. Because I was not in the admin role, it was hard for people to hear me. I may have had the solution but because my title was not what they wanted, I was ignored. I don't like to see kids fail or my organization fail. Now at True Elite Academy I can use all my skill sets.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value transparency, respect, and opportunity. Give everybody an opportunity, give everybody respect, and you have to be transparent about where you're at so that's the only way we can help each other and know that we can grow together.
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