Taraji P. Henson gets 'Rough' role

In From the Rough, the Oscar-nominated Taraji P. Henson will be taking on the role inspired by Dr. Catana Starks, the first female head coach of an NCAA Division One Men's team. Independent motion picture company, Gyre Entertainment is set to produce the sports drama, which will begin filming in New Orleans with an early October 4th start date.

Henson will play a fictionalized version of Starks named Cassandra Turner, who manages to have a successful stint as coach of the women's swim team at a historically black college into getting a shot at building a men's golf team. With a sparse amount of black players, Turner seeks for hidden talent in  Europe, Australia and Asia thus constructing a uniquely multi-racial team. (Note: Starks was the golf coach at Tennessee State University.)
 
"This extraordinary film explores one's ability to transform life's rough circumstances into distinct advantages," said director-producer Pierre Bagley. "It confronts issues of race, gender, class and cultural barriers in ways that are provocative, and sometimes hilarious.

Michael A. Critelli wrote the screenplay and will be an executive producer along with Kevin E. Hooks.

Good move Ms. Henson! Looking forward to it!