Terrell Modest joined the Lakers coaching staff in 2024, along with fellow assistant Alix Carter and head coach Grace Howrigon. The trio came to Sault Ste. Marie together from Lawrence Technological University's NAIA program and have strong ties that go back over a decade.
Terrell brings a focus on player development to Lake Superior State, particularly forwards. He's a well-rounded coach that's noted for his attention to detail, basketball knowledge, and ability to build and maintain a team culture.
His experience with head coach Grace Howrigon goes back to their time as undergraduates at Siena Heights University. Grace played point guard for the Saints, and Terrell practiced with the women's basketball scout team. They built a strong rapport that carried over to Howrigon's transition to the sidelines. In that time, Carter joined the Saints as a player, before moving to the sidelines herself. When Grace moved on as head coach of Lawrence Tech in 2019, Terrell was a no-doubt hire as an assistant coach.
"I think Terrell's greatest quality is his loyalty to the people he loves and cares about," Howrigon said. "I knew that would translate so well to an assistant coach role and that would be such a great help to me and the players."
"Life-changing in many ways," Terrell said about working with Grace for over a decade. "It's tough to describe. We've both grown up together, not just as professionals, but as humans. We both started off so young at Siena Heights. Then we've basically never stopped working together since. So much personal and professional growth, and I'm so proud of what we've all accomplished together."
Terrell earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 2024. He played football for Inkster High School, competing in back-to-back football state championship games. Terrell played with Devin Gardner, who went on to star in college football, as Inkster went from one win in 2007 to back-to-back state finals in 2008 and 2009. He then transferred to and graduated from Adrian High School in 2012 after taking the Maples to the regional final.
Terrell's charisma has made him an ideal teammate within the Lakers athletics department and a key leader for the women's basketball team. He grew up with four sisters and has spent much of his life dedicated to developing women in basketball. He lives in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
