Coach Michael Smith's hometown is Calumet Park, IL. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for three seasons on a basketball scholarship. While there, he played on the 2004 UIC NCAA Tournament team. Coach Smith finished his collegiate career at the University of St. Francis and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration. Post-graduation, Coach Mike played professional basketball in Europe in the LKL and Baltic League. He was an LKL All-Star in Lithuania. Other countries that Coach Mike played in include: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and South Korea. Mike Smith later received his Masters in Education.
For the past seven years, Coach Smith worked as an Athletic Director, Physical Education Teacher and Coach in Chicago Public Schools. He has served in different coaching and training roles for schools including: Hyde Park Academy, Perspectives Charter Schools, Urban Prep West and South Shore International High School. Coach Smith serves as a trainer for youth and adults, beginners to professionals.
Coach Mike Smith: "I believe that if we teach our youth the correct way to handle themselves at an early age then we are setting them up for success."
His Favorite Quote: “The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary.”