Moniquee Alexander

Rolling Hills Preparatory School offers students a unique educational path based on one of three academic programs. The Rolling Hills Prep program is a goal-oriented path that equips students with academic mastery and self-awareness. The Renaissance program celebrates and responds to students’ different learning styles. With small classrooms and 1-1 teaching support, the REACH program helps students navigate learning and social relationships.

Moniquee Alexander (Coach Mo) works as the DEI assistant, communications coordinator and head coach of girls basketball. She attended UCLA and played basketball for the school all four years, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She then played basketball professionally in Romania, Turkey, Poland, Ecuador and Thailand. Coach Mo started working with Rolling Hills Prep in 2020.

Describe your school’s educational approach.

At Rolling Hills Prep, we ground students in a solid academic foundation with high expectations paired with unmatched individual support. Our students graduate with the confidence to navigate their unique path because of our supportive environment tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. From academic offerings to extracurriculars, from holistic wellness programs to our advisory programs, in each of our three curricular programs students are celebrated for their talents and strengths.  

Tell us about your faculty and administration.

We believe that high performance does not happen by accident. We are a diverse team with varied backgrounds, lived experiences and skill sets. Through this lens, our intention is to guide our school in such a way that is supportive of the needs and expectations of the community. We strive for excellence in ourselves and our team every day. 

We lead by listening and being curious. We are intentional leaders who approach every situation first with compassion and seeking to understand, then providing support. As school leaders, we have to make difficult decisions all the time. We always want to listen to others to hear how they are experiencing situations. When it is time to make a difficult decision, it is important to understand what the student experience is like, the faculty and staff experience, and the family experience. We lead our school community every day by being vulnerable and staying curious. 

How do you encourage diversity?

We have a community with a lot of variety, in terms of our beliefs and backgrounds. In a community with so much diversity in beliefs, we encourage everyone to share their stories and listen to the stories of others. We understand that our differences bring us closer together rather than push us apart. 

What are some key qualities for women in leadership roles?

Coach Mo Alexander: I believe the key qualities I need to be successful are strong communication skills, empathy, resilience, the ability to inspire and having a collaborative approach in everything I do. It is important to me that the girls on the team know that I am with them, not against them.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

Coach Mo: I was inspired to become a basketball coach because I wanted to give back to a game that has given me so much. I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 11 years old. I was completely broken, but through basketball I was able to heal and find my way. My life experiences allow me to encourage my girls to reach their full potential and help them navigate life. I understand that my actions and words toward my girls hold a lot of weight, so I do my best to handle every interaction with care. The peace in my heart that I feel when I see my girls graduate and move closer to their personal goals is amazing. 

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out in business?

Coach Mo: Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience. Prioritize your relationship with the Lord because that will always be your guiding light. Always be open to new opportunities and challenges. Never let anyone’s words or actions destroy how you see yourself. Remember that personal growth takes time, and it is OK to ask for help and take risks along the way.

Have you had mentors who influenced your career? 

Coach Mo: I am deeply thankful to my Uncle Chris Lewis for his unwavering support and guidance, which he has always extended through every phase of my life. His grace, love and compassion have been a source of strength and inspiration in my life. I thank my Nana Flaxie Lewis for her selfless act of taking me in after my mother’s passing. That has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my uncle’s wife, Sherry Lewis, for her kindness in allowing my uncle to care for us and her commitment to ensuring our needs were met every day. Her contributions have been invaluable in creating the foundation of my accomplishments.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell