By Terrence Miller on April 1, 2025
Seidah Durante is the heart and soul behind The Jacksonville Force, a professional women’s basketball organization based in Jacksonville, Florida. With a strong commitment to empowering female athletes and fostering community engagement, Seidah and her team are redefining the landscape for women’s sports in the region.
Founded in 2020, The Jacksonville Force provides a platform for talented female athletes to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and gain the recognition they deserve. More than just a basketball team, it’s a movement dedicated to uplifting women through sports and community service.
The name “The Jacksonville Force” was born from a vision shared by Seidah and her late husband, a passionate basketball coach. They saw the need for a local women’s team that could compete professionally while also serving as a pillar in the community. “We wanted our team to be a force—both on and off the court,” Seidah shares.
This vision quickly became a reality. By 2021, The Jacksonville Force had already made a name for itself, winning a championship in the Women’s American Basketball Association (WABA)—a testament to the team’s dedication and resilience.
Women’s basketball has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, but opportunities for female players remain limited. Many talented athletes have to travel out of state or even overseas to continue playing at a competitive level. The Jacksonville Force aims to change that by providing a professional platform right at home.
The organization welcomes players 18 and older, offering them a space to develop their skills and gain exposure.
“If you can still move, run, and play, we offer you a place with us.” Seidah proudly states.
The Jacksonville Force is more than just a basketball team—it’s an organization deeply embedded in the community. Seidah and her team regularly host basketball training camps for kids, back-to-school drives, and outreach programs.
“We believe in giving back,” Seidah explains. “Our camps and school drives are completely free, ensuring that kids in our community have access to both education and sports.”
Through partnerships, sponsorships, and dedicated volunteers, The Jacksonville Force continues to bridge the gap between sports and community service, creating opportunities for both players and local families.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2021, just as The Jacksonville Force was preparing for the WABA Championship, Seidah and her family suffered an unimaginable loss–her son passed away. It was a heartbreaking moment, but in true Force spirit, the team passed on and won the championship in his honor.
One year later, Seidah experienced another devastating loss–her husband and co-founder of The Jacksonville Force passed away. Despite these hardships, Seidah remained committed to their shared vision. With the unwavering support of Coach Dashia Williams and a dedicated group of players, The Jacksonville Force continues to thrive and inspire.
Seidah’s vision for the future is ambitious and inspiring. In the next five years, she hopes to: Grow the team’s fan base to the point where they need a bigger venue. Expand opportunities for female athletes, including potential WNBA or overseas placements. Build a dedicated facility for The Jacksonville Force, complete with state-ofthe-art amenities. “We want to be known as the premier basketball organization for women in Jacksonville,” Seidah says. “And we want to give back even more—whether through scholarships, mentorship, or community engagement.”
The Jacksonville Force thrives on community support. Whether you’re a fan, a business looking to sponsor, or someone interested in volunteering, there are many ways to get involved.
The Jacksonville Force isn’t just about basketball—it’s about building a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and community. And with Seidah Durante at the helm, there’s no doubt that this force is unstoppable. Visit jacksonvilleforce.com to learn more or get involved.
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