Meet Our Basketball Mentors
Better Together is excited to announce its sport-specific mentorship program. Athletes can be matched with a basketball mentor who plays at the collegiate or high school level. Mentors can help the student-athlete navigate their physical, mental, and emotional journey and the challenges they will face on and off the field. Using resources from Better Together and their own experiences, Mentors will help the younger generation of athletes have the tools for a better chance of happiness and success.
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Lanni Brown
Jacksonville University, First-Year Master's Student
Major: B.A. in Psychology
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Sport: Basketball
Athletic Background:
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Wesleyan School (High School)
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William & Mary (College)
Personal Statement:
“My name is Lanni Brown, and I have been passionate about basketball since late elementary school. Coming from a sporty family, I played high school basketball at Wesleyan School and continued to play DI collegiate basketball at William & Mary. During my time with the Tribe Women’s basketball team, I was honored to be on the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll and received the Provost Award. In my senior year, I was selected by the coaching staff to be a class representative for our team’s Tribe Leadership Council. Now, as a first-year Master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Jacksonville University, I aim to leverage my experiences and education to make a positive impact in the field of mental health.”

Nicole Davis
Bucknell University, Class of 2024
University of Central Missouri Graduate Student
Major: International Relations
Sport: Basketball
Athletic Background:
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Boo Williams and Team Loaded (AAU)
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Went to Monacan High School, where she won a state championship in 2020
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As a key contributor to Bucknell’s 2022 team, she helped secure a conference runner-up finish and a bid to the WNIT
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Played one year for Central Missouri
Personal Statement:
“The landscape of college sports is rapidly changing, and I believe that community is vital for student-athletes to thrive. If I could offer insight to prospects navigating recruiting and relationship-building, I would love to pass my knowledge on to help the next generation transition smoothly. Looking back, I wish I had been part of an organization dedicated to bringing people together—and I’m committed to ensuring that future athletes feel supported, empowered, and ready to succeed.”

Savannah Samuel
Boston College, Class of 2025
Major: Applied Psychology
Sport: Basketball
Athletic Background:
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Grew up playing AAU for the top program in Georgia named FBC
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Played at Oregon State freshman year
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Played at West Virginia University sophomore and junior year
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Payed at Boston College senior year
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Will play at Georgia Tech for fifth year
Personal Statement:
"I’ve been playing basketball since I was four years old, growing up in Georgia and competing for one of the top AAU programs, FBC. My collegiate journey has taken me across the country—from Oregon State to West Virginia University, Boston College, and soon, Georgia Tech for my final grad year.
Throughout my years as a student-athlete, my love for the game has only grown, but so has my understanding of the importance of mental health. I’ve faced my own struggles, and through those experiences, I’ve developed a deep commitment to helping young athletes prioritize their well-being. My goal is to ensure that aspiring players recognize that mental health matters just as much as physical performance. Together, we can build strength, resilience, and a future where athletes thrive—on and off the court."
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Bek Frisbee-Smith
William & Mary
Major: Graduate Student in Master of Business Analytics
Sport: Basketball
Athletic Background:
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From Australia, moved to the USA 4 years ago during the pandemic
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One of four children, with all siblings living in Australia except the oldest sister, who is moving to London to be a paramedic
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Goes home once a year to see family and friends
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Member of the William & Mary basketball team
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Practiced all summer with four new freshmen and two transfers
Personal Statement:
"I moved from Australia to the USA four years ago to attend college at William & Mary during the pandemic. I am currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Business Analytics and a member of the basketball team. I practiced all summer with our new team members and went home for three weeks to see my family and friends. I am one of four children, and my parents can watch my games. I have been involved with The Hidden Opponent for two years and am passionate about supporting fellow athletes.”

Caroline Dingler
Bucknell University, Class of 2024
Major: Neuroscience
Sport: Basketball
Athletic Background:
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Played at Darlington High School in Rome, Georgia.
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Bucknell D1 Basketball
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Competed in both the Patriot League Championship and the WNIT tournament.
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Team captain junior and senior year at Bucknell
Personal Statement:
"Basketball has been a part of my life since I was eight years old, leading me from Darlington High School in Rome, Georgia, to competing at the Division I level with Bucknell University. As a proud member of Bucknell Women’s Basketball, I had the opportunity to play in both the Patriot League Championship and the WNIT tournament, culminating in the honor of serving as team captain during my junior and senior years.
While championships and competition shaped my journey, the true highlight of my career has been the lifelong relationships I’ve built with my teammates. Through my time in athletics, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that sports can have on mental health—both in my own experiences and in those of the athletes around me. My passion lies in making a direct impact on young athletes by providing support, mentorship, and guidance as they navigate the transition to collegiate sports."