“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” ~ Joseph Campbell

This month, we feature an individual who epitomizes what it means to have an extraordinary story that captivates but merely serves as a component to his entire canvas. This man is a pastiche of faith, resilience, victory and influence. The story that many would count as his most important is not anywhere near the totality of who he is. Let us meet Leroy Smith.

The year was 1978. Two young men were 8th grade friends. They both loved basketball and all the trappings of being active adolescents competing for the thrill of victory while despising the agony of defeat. The city where they met and then formed a friendship was Wilmington, North Carolina. One of these two youngsters was our Leroy Smith, and the other was Michael Jordan. Yes, THAT Michael Jordan.

The story takes a dramatic and life-evolving turn when, in 10th grade at Laney High School, both boys decided to try out for the varsity basketball team. The twist? Leroy made the team; Michael did not.

Michael Jordan, to this day and notably in his Hall of Fame Induction speech in 2009, contends that Leroy was then a motivating driver to his ultimate success. It drove him immeasurably to work, to improve and to prove the coach and naysayers wrong.

Today, Michael is considered by many as the GOAT (greatest of all time) in professional athletics, and the residual effects of this story for Leroy are that he orbits today as an entrepreneur, coach, family man, podcast host and humble friend to countless individuals.

What role did athletics play in your life as a kid and leading into high school?

As a kid, most everyone I knew played baseball. I grew up in Philadelphia and had zero exposure to organized sports for the first 10 years of my life. We moved to North Carolina when I was in 5th grade, and everyone played sports. I started in Little League. I distinctly remember a coach who was a student teacher and once told me I threw “like a girl.” I was tall, lanky and maybe not suited for baseball.

In 8th grade, I got introduced to basketball. Why? Because I was tall. Once I started to learn everything I could about the game, I took to it. It gave me a sense of confidence and a built-in network of friends. I was a mess though. I had so much to learn about the game. We had an actual bike rim nailed to a post at my house, and that became my basketball hoop. I absorbed all I could and learned how to compete.

Sure enough, in 1979, Leroy was seen as a tall, intimidating presence at almost 6’7” while Michael Jordan, at 5’11”, hadn’t yet burgeoned into who he would become. And so, the lore was stamped – Leroy was on the varsity team; Michael was cut. They would then go on to join each other for 11th and 12th grade on the varsity team.

Michael became Michael; Leroy went on, after a career at UNC Charlotte, into a professional basketball career overseas in England, Germany, France and Japan. That stint as a thriving player was then followed up with a potent career in sales and marketing with Asics Shoes, BET, USA Networks and NBC Universal.

Talk about your opinions on the state of youth athletics today.

With the advent of technology, sports has taken a turn. You can track and emulate top performers as an athlete. What’s missing are key fundamentals because it seems that winning at all costs hampers player development. It is now harder to ignore the fact that kids just want the accolades and have less interest in being complete, total athletes. In Europe, they have a whole system and pathway for developing young players, both physically and mentally.  

Take Michael Jordan for example. Someone would focus on a weakness in his game, and he would come back stronger and better. He was someone who always took on the holistic approach to blossoming as a truly complete, well rounded player.

What three characteristics would be attributed to you during challenging times – in life or sports ?

• Acceptance that there is an issue or problem to resolve.
• Determination to right a wrong to make amends.
• Self-forgiveness. Without that, you get consumed by internal angst and hiding pain.  Knowing yourself and being gentle with yourself is so important.

As you are a parent, what is the ultimate lesson of parenthood?

Actively listen to your children. My kids are now grown adults. I cannot go instantly into “fix-it” mode. I try to ask probing questions in a loving way. I have come to understand that it is all right not to have all the answers, but I know I can find solutions alongside my family.

Given your story and the connection you have to professional sports and the entertainment industry, were you ever envious of others’ stories or journeys?

I was gonna write a book called “Almost Famous.” Sure, I have had occasions to wonder “why not me?.” But, what I have readily realized is that everyone is famous in their own right with all kinds of stories. I see true success as having magic moments with friends and my family. Oftentimes, the super-famous are “stuck” and forever defined as their character or role they played in life. There is no evolution. I am blessed to have my story but also my beautiful evolution.

Leroy hosts his podcast “Lessons from Leroy” where he shares insights and holistic approaches to basketball, business and life. Check it out wherever you download podcasts!