Words by Karen McCain | Images by Al Blanton
Coleman Bonner began his athletic journey in the fourth grade. Inspired by friends who were playing basketball, he decided to try the sport himself. Quickly, he found it to be a natural match for his athletic ability.
As he matured as an athlete, Coleman continued to refine his skills on the court. As a homeschooled student, he hoped to compete on a school team, and when the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) adopted a bylaw allowing homeschooled athletes to participate in public school athletic programs, he began competing in the Jasper City School System.
His career is not without setbacks. While playing for the Jasper Junior High in the eighth grade, he sustained an ankle injury, and his trainer, Blake Hobby, recommended he receive treatment at Bowen Chiropractic Clinic. Coleman arrived at Dr. Bowen’s office on crutches and in a walking boot, unable to bear weight on his foot. “After one visit, she had me walking in tennis shoes without pain,” Coleman describes.
Bowen, in turn, has high praise for her patient. She describes Coleman as an “enthusiastic athlete who is always striving to improve,” but that commitment places significant demands on his body. “My role is to support him physically, mentally, and spiritually so he can reach his full potential. Our goal is to keep him healthy, active, and ready to compete at a higher level,” Bowen said.
“Dr. Bowen’s office has been a place where I can recover and regain strength. They helped prepare my body to compete in multiple games each week,” Coleman added.
Competing for the Meek Tigers his senior season, Coleman recorded a career-high performance against the Phillips Bears, finishing with 27 points, including seven three-pointers, ten rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Since graduating, Coleman has been working as a server at Musgrove Country Club while preparing to begin college this fall. He earned academic scholarships and plans to attend Mississippi Christian University (formerly Mississippi College), a private Christian university in Clinton, Mississippi. His goal is to earn a degree in Administration of Justice and pursue a future career as a prosecuting attorney with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Department of Homeland Security.
Coleman is the son of Tom and Elizabeth Bonner, and has two siblings, Sara Kathryn and Wallace. WL
