Florida Nation is proud to announce a major expansion into West Palm Beach through a strategic partnership with the South Florida Lady Hurricanes. Beginning in 2026, this collaboration will bring elite-level girls’ basketball programming to the Palm Beach community and provide a premier competitive platform through the LP32 New Balance Basketball Circuit.
Championship Leadership Comes to Florida Nation
The partnership unites Florida Nation with two of South Florida’s most accomplished basketball minds: Ariana “Coach AJ” Jackson and Alicia DeVaughn, co-founders of the South Florida Lady Hurricanes and the coaching staff behind the Inlet Grove High School Lady Hurricanes program.
Ariana Jackson: Building Complete Athletes
A Palm Beach County native with deep roots in the community, Coach AJ brings a rare combination of local knowledge and elite-level experience. After scoring over 1,000 points during her high school career and establishing herself as one of the area’s top talents, Jackson took her game to the NCAA Division I level, where she developed the toughness, basketball IQ, and discipline that now define her coaching philosophy.
Following her playing career, Jackson transitioned seamlessly to coaching, serving as a Division I coach before returning home to lead the next generation of South Florida talent. As head coach of Inlet Grove High School, she has built a reputation for accountability, player development, and creating winning team culture.
“Coach AJ is dedicated to building complete athletes,” says the Florida Nation leadership team. “She doesn’t just develop basketball skills—she instills confidence, discipline, and the mindset required to compete at the next level.”
Alicia DeVaughn: International Excellence
Alicia DeVaughn brings a truly unique perspective to the program, combining championship pedigree with international experience few coaches can match. The Broward County native’s résumé speaks for itself: McDonald’s All-American honors, a Florida state championship in high school, and a Final Four appearance during her NCAA Division I career.
But it was her decade-long professional career overseas that truly set DeVaughn apart. Competing across multiple countries and winning multiple international championships, she experienced basketball at its highest levels and brings that global perspective back to South Florida’s young athletes.
“Alicia’s experience as both a high-impact player and proven winner makes her invaluable,” notes the program. “She knows what it takes to succeed at every level of the game.”
As assistant coach at Inlet Grove and co-founder of the South Florida Lady Hurricanes, DeVaughn is known for her passion, energy, and hands-on approach to player development. Her winning mentality and international insight directly influence how she teaches, mentors, and motivates the next generation.
Competing on the National Stage
The partnership positions Florida Nation to compete in the Lady P32 & E32 Leagues and Jr P32 girls circuits, elite platforms powered by New Balance that bring together top talent from across the nation. These circuits are designed for programs ready to challenge the best while gaining critical national exposure.
“The LP32 New Balance Circuit provides the professional platform our athletes need to showcase their abilities against elite competition,” explains the coaching staff. “This is about preparing our players for the next level—whether that’s college basketball or beyond.”
A Clear Pathway Forward
With this expansion, Florida Nation creates a seamless pathway for young athletes in the Palm Beach and Broward County areas. Players can develop through youth programming and transition directly into a high school program led by coaches with proven track records at the Division I and international levels.
The West Palm Beach expansion also strengthens Florida Nation’s commitment to empowering young women through basketball. By combining elite coaching, competitive opportunities, and a focus on holistic athlete development, the program aims to become a cornerstone of girls’ basketball in South Florida.
Vision for Long-Term Impact
Both Coach AJ and Coach DeVaughn share a vision that extends beyond wins and losses. Through the South Florida Lady Hurricanes and now as part of the Florida Nation family, they are committed to using basketball as a tool for building confidence, character, and opportunity.
“We’re not just developing basketball players,” says Coach AJ. “We’re empowering young women to become leaders on and off the court.”
With deep community ties, championship experience, and access to one of the nation’s premier competitive circuits, Florida Nation’s West Palm Beach expansion represents a significant moment for girls’ basketball in South Florida.
The 2026 season can’t come soon enough.
For more information about Florida Nation’s West Palm Beach programming or the South Florida Lady Hurricanes partnership, visit our website or contact our coaching staff directly.
