Men’s Basketball
2021 U SPORTS Mitchell Family Alumni of the Year Awards nominees: George Lengvari Jr., Concordia / McGill
New for 2021, the Mitchell Family Alumni of the Year Awards Presented by Makadiff Sports honours the long-time champions of the U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Program, The Honourable Lois and Doug Mitchell, and celebrates eight former varsity athletes who have become leaders in their communities, and recognizes the continued contributions by each alumnus to their alma mater. Winners will be announced virtually on Thursday, May 20.
| shaquille smith |
| Acadia Axemen |
| Basketball |
| North Preston, N.S. |
| Business Technology Management '16 |
A member of the Acadia men’s basketball team from 2012-16, Shaquille Smith helped the Axemen win a pair of AUS medals – including a conference championship in his rookie campaign. He was also the winner of the AUS Men’s Basketball Community Service Award in his graduating year.
Since completing his studies, Smith has been involved with various fundraising opportunities spearheaded by the Axemen, including a recent Basketball Golf Tournament, and successfully raising $300,000 in public and private funding to build an outdoor basketball court in his hometown of North Preston, N.S. Smith wanted the next generation to have an easier time than he had pursuing both sport and academics. In a social-economically challenged part of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the new court in North Preston is an oasis for the community youth to congregate and sharpen their basketball skills.
With the basketball court completed, Smith has focused his energy on helping North Preston, N.S., youth use their love of basketball to build their futures. He is a co-founder of The Futures Program in hopes to help better prepare student-athletes for the life after school. For his contributions, Smith received the 2019 Harry Jerome Athletic Award recognized by the Black Business and Professional Association.
“Shaquille has tremendous interpersonal skills and his passion for our program is at the highest level in terms of being a proud Acadia Axeman. He was a leader on and off the court while at Acadia and this has translated into the same in his community of North Preston. By extending his impact on his community from the tangible to intangible mentoring of youth at risk, Shaquille has made a significant impact on his community and will continue to do so with his selfless contribution to a population in need.”
Kevin Dickie - Executive Director of Athletics, Acadia