Sports have always been a part of my life. From the first time I stepped onto the field in high school to my years as a college athlete, I poured everything into competition, training, and the pursuit of excellence. The experiences I had as an athlete shaped me in ways I never could have imagined at the time. I learned how to work as part of a team, how to push through challenges, and how to get back up after a loss. But more than anything, I learned that sports were about more than just the game.
At the same time, education was always front and center in my home. My mother, a lifelong educator, made sure of that. She spent her career helping young people find their strengths, believe in their potential, and see education as a foundation for a meaningful life. She never saw academics and sports as competing forces. Instead, she believed they could work together to build character, confidence, and opportunity. Because of her, I never saw my identity as an athlete separate from my education. I understood that the discipline I gained through sports was the same discipline I needed to excel in the classroom and, later, in my career.
Recognizing the Gap
As I moved into the professional world and built my career, I began to see a troubling trend—one that I couldn’t ignore. Too many young athletes were putting all their energy into sports without the academic support or guidance to prepare them for life beyond the game. Talented kids with promising futures were being told that their only shot at success was through athletics, often at the expense of their education.
On the other hand, I also saw academically strong students who lacked access to the discipline, mentorship, and teamwork that sports naturally provide. They weren’t being given the same opportunities to develop the leadership skills, resilience, and confidence that come with being part of a team.
The deeper I looked, the clearer it became: something was missing. Sports and education weren’t working together the way they should. Young athletes were being left behind academically, and students without athletic opportunities weren’t gaining the skills that sports instill. I knew there had to be a better way.
Turning a Vision into Reality
With my mother’s encouragement and guidance, I set out to build something that would bridge this gap. I didn’t want a program that just encouraged kids to stay in school or one that simply provided athletic training. I wanted to create something that integrated sports and education in a way that truly prepared young people for success in every area of their lives.
From the start, we built S.M.A.R.T. Sports around a dual mission: helping student-athletes excel academically while using the lessons of sports to strengthen their education. We developed programs that included academic tutoring, leadership development, and mentorship—support systems designed to help students balance their responsibilities and envision a future beyond athletics.
We also made sure that sports were never treated as just a pastime or an end goal. Instead, they became a tool for teaching critical life skills: how to set goals, how to work through adversity, how to communicate effectively, and how to lead. We wanted young athletes to see themselves as more than just players. We wanted them to understand that the discipline they showed in training, the teamwork they demonstrated on the field, and the resilience they built through competition could serve them well long after their playing days ended.
More Than Just the Game
The truth is, sports can open doors, but they are not the final destination. Too often, young athletes are encouraged to put all their focus into their sport, with little thought given to what happens if their playing career doesn’t last. The reality is that only a small percentage of athletes go on to play professionally. Without a strong educational foundation, too many find themselves without a clear path forward once their sports career ends.
That’s why S.M.A.R.T. Sports exists—to ensure that young athletes are equipped not just for the next game, but for the rest of their lives. We help them develop a mindset that values education just as much as competition. We provide mentorship that guides them toward careers beyond the field. We show them that their athletic journey is just one part of a bigger story—one in which they have the power to succeed in multiple ways.
A Legacy of Impact
Starting this S.M.A.R.T. Sports wasn’t just about filling a need; it was about honoring the values that shaped my own journey. My mother spent her life ensuring that students had access to education and opportunity. Her influence taught me that knowledge is the most powerful tool we can give young people. Sports gave me discipline, confidence, and leadership skills, but education gave me options.
I founded this organization because no young person should have to choose between their passion for sports and their future. They deserve both. With the right support, mentorship, and opportunities, they can be champions in every aspect of their lives—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
