Sisterhood isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey as proven by Ford and Black Love’s Tailgate Connections. On the final episode of three-part series, we find basketball coach Tomekia Reed, her former player and now coach Jariyah Covington, and Tomeika’s best friend and inspirational speaker Tonya Ball on the final leg of their road trip.

The women have avoided many of the common road trip hiccups by utilizing the new features in the 2025 Ford Explorer SUV. Tomekia, Jariyah, and Tonya used the SUV cargo area, which offers ample cargo space, to store food, water, and other supplies for their girls trip. When traffic hit on the way to a basketball game, the three best friends used Google Maps* — which has seamless integration — to reroute their trip and find a new, equally entertaining destination.

Now, Tomekia, Jariyah, and Tonya have arrived at their final stop: a park by the beach. Huddled up near the ocean, the women chat about the growing popularity of women’s basketball and the joy they feel spending quality time together.

“I’ve got to give it to y’all because y’all were right. I should’ve just trusted Coach,” Jariyah says, addressing her earlier concerns about rerouting their trip.

 

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“This was better than being at the arena; making this our own little thing right there,” she adds, referring to their beach set up, which includes chairs, a blanket, a cooler full of drinks and snacks, and their 2025 Ford Explorer.

“When is the next trip and where are we going?” Tonya asks, eager to plan their next best friend outing.

“Let’s take my Explorer to Charlotte!” Tomekia says.

“Only if I can get back in the back seat. I had so much room and space,” Jariyah replies.

“We have to do this more. Life is so short. We got to celebrate each other as we celebrating the game,” Tonya adds.

As we reflect on the powerful bonds that sisterhood and women’s athletics create, it’s clear that creating our own path is a vital part of life’s journey. Much like Tomekia, Tonya, and Jariyah, who leaned on each other during their trip, we too can chart a course that centers on love, connection, and strength.

Whether we’re navigating the demands of family, work, or personal growth, the right support system — both in the people we cherish and the tools we use — makes all the difference. The Ford Explorer, with its blend of reliability and adventure, is for those who are ready to embrace the road ahead with confidence and purpose. So, take the wheel, see new horizons, and make room for the joy that comes with living fully and intentionally. After all, the best moments in life are shared. The New 2025 Ford Explorer – It’s all in the Name.

*Disclaimer: “Services require SYNC® 4 or newer, activation through FordPass® App (subject to FordPass Terms), modem activation, and a Connected Navigation Service Plan.  Equipped vehicles come with either a 90-day or up to 3-year Connected Navigation trial from new-vehicle warranty start date, after which purchase is required. Connected Services and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features.”