DIY VIRAL
Welcome to SZN openerthe dynamic podcast series that spotlights Black college athletes, exploring their triumphs and challenges throughout their athletic journey.
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This week on SZN openerHoward University's Marcus Smith Jr. sat down with host Rodney Rikai to talk college golf. During his one-on-one with Rikai, the rising star reflected on his membership in the historic HBCU golf program and what he loves about the sport.
Since 2019, Howard's young but powerful Division I golf program has been gaining momentum. Last April, Howard won the Northeast Conference (NEC) men's golf championship, with Smith and three of his teammates named to the NEC all-tournament team. Under the direction of head coach Sam Puryear and in partnership with NBA champion Stephen Curry, the Howard golf program is get the recognition she deserves.
Smith's love of golf runs in the family
“Growing up, golf was the sport that kept me with my family. That’s where the love of golf came from, because I was able to play with the older generation. I thought it was so much fun to be able to spend time with my grandfather, my uncles, my dad…I can always go to the range with them,” the Howard senior said.
From a young age, Smith's father recognized his son's interest in golf and encouraged him to continue playing. “I will always come back to golf because it’s the one true love,” the Rockford, Ill., native said.
As a student-athlete at Winnebago High School, Smith was a four-time captain, three-time individual conference champion, three-time regional champion, 2018 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) individual state champion, and even more. Even though he felt like a “golf exception” compared to his peers, Smith remained loyal to the sport. “They didn’t really grasp the concept of golf and didn’t understand it,” he said.
Smith began his college career at Eastern Michigan
When Smith's initial plans to attend the University of Michigan fell through, he landed at Eastern Michigan University. He began his university studies in 2020, just as the global pandemic forced the world to shut down.
Going through those years – social distancing from family, peers and teammates, and not being able to play a regular season – proved to be a difficult time for the student-athlete.
After spending his freshman and sophomore years at EMU, Smith was ready to move on. “I was happy that I had a pretty good season in my second year,” he said. “I was ready to leave Eastern Michigan.”
Howard offered an exciting opportunity for young golfer
EMU alumnus and distinguished athlete Robert “Doc” Sims helped coordinate Smith’s transfer. Sims saw a future for the young athlete with the Howard golf program. As a Hall of Famer credited with breakup the color barrier in EMU men's basketball, Sims was instrumental in helping Smith navigate his next chapter. “His name is in the Hall of Fame,” Smith said.
Howard University presented an exciting opportunity to work with head coach Sam Puryear, whose coaching career has produced multiple conference titles, championships and Coach of the Year honors. After speaking with Puryear, Smith knew he belonged at Howard's. “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.”
“He (Puryear) doesn’t want to play with your swing or anything like that. He just wants to work on your mind. And I feel like that’s what I needed the most,” Smith said. “If you can understand that it's a game and you can limit your emotions and stay there strategically, you can go far. That's what he brings. It gives you everything you need to succeed.
Also in this episode of SZN openerSmith discussed NIL opportunities, Howard's historic return and diversity in golf.
Watch the full episode with Marcus Smith Jr. above. Listen to this episode of SZN opener on the Urban One Podcast Network or your favorite podcast streaming platform. Or check out the visual podcast on The life of Cassius YouTube channel.
About the “SZN Opener” podcast
SZN Opener returns with all-new episodes for Season 3, featuring the brightest and most promising Black student-athletes in college sports today. Hosted by dynamic on-air personality Rodney Rikai, this podcast features in-depth interviews with athletes sharing their stories of hard work, character and excellence on and off the playing field. As they face demanding schedules and planning their careers beyond graduation, these college athletes demonstrate focus and dedication in all aspects of their lives. Log in to SZN Opener and learn more about CassiusLife.com.
DIY VIRAL
