General | 10/14/2022 9:44:34 AM
Bryce Smith is set to begin his third season as a member of the Medaille University men's basketball team in 2022-23 and is also a member of the men's golf team. He appeared in 28 games for the Mavericks last season, averaging 5.4 points a game, while knocking down 47 3-point field goals. Smith served as captain last season for Medaille, leading them to 15 wins, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
A native of College Station, TX, Smith is Medaille' s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President. He is a business administration major and carries a 3.0 grade-point average.
Bryce Smith - Empire 8 Captains
Institution: Medaille University
Sport/Position: Basketball/Guard; Golf
Academic Major: Business Administration
GPA: 3.0
Class Year: Junior
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Erling Haaland/Houston Texans
Favorite Food: Boneless Wings and Cheese Fries with a side of Ranch dressing
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Butter Pecan
Dream Vacation: Visit Norway to see the Fjords
Last TV Show/Series You Binge Watched: The Crown
Various Academic Honors/Academic or Athletic Clubs: Medaille SAAC President
When Did You Become a Captain?/How Long Have You Served in That Role?
I became a captain last season in my first full season as a college athlete. This will be my second year as a captain.
What Are Your Duties as Team Captain? Some of my duties include helping the coaches and athletic trainers make sure that all compliance work and health work that needs to be completed as an athlete is done and in the correct way. I help setup and organize team runs, open gyms, weight sessions during the offseason. During the summer when most of the team is away from each other I reach and call, text, or stay in touch through social media platforms to check in on teammates and to just catch up and talk. On campus, if guys need a ride somewhere to get food, groceries, visit the doctor, or even just get a haircut I will make sure they have a ride when needed so that they can take care of what they need to take care of.
What Type of Leader Are You? I feel like I have been a leader by example, especially last year. I’m not the most vocal, which is something I’m working to improve. I make sure I know every set, play, how things should be done, and try to lead guys by example.
What Qualities Do You Think A Team Leader Should Have? I think a team leader needs to be able to connect with all the teammates, coaches, support staff, and with the general population so that a positive example is set for that team. Another quality I believe a team leader should have is to be selflessness. When the people who you lead know that you as a leader care more about the team’s success than your individual success, people take notice and follow in those footsteps.
Plans After Graduation: Take a trip to Europe somewhere and be proud of what I accomplished by graduating college. Then try to get a job either as an accountant or managing a business.
What Do You See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years/What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal: In 10-15 Years I plan on having a family, and probably living back home in Texas. I would like to be an accountant for my uncle’s tire company or managing something in the business world.
How Has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College: Playing in college has prepared me for the real world by getting me to understand that you have to expect the unexpected. Nothing in life is guaranteed. Hard work and consistency can get you a long way. I think something that a lot people overlook that is important in athletics is sportsmanship. We all compete against each other and want to win, but at the end of the day the ball is going to stop bouncing. Knowing how to and committing to treating people the correct way I think is going to be the most important thing I’ve learned from playing collegiately.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College: My favorite memory is by far winning the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Basketball Tournament last year and making it to the NCAA Tournament.
Greatest Mentors (On or Off Campus): My greatest mentor in my life was my Papa, Steve Willert. He taught me the love of the game for basketball, how it should be played, and how to treat people the correct way in life. Although he has passed, all the lessons he installed in me have shaped me into who I am today. Know when it’s okay to joke around and be playful, but also when to flip the switch and get to work. Another mentor of mine is Medaille Head Coach Keith Hack. He pushes me daily to be the best I can be on and off the court. Lastly, is an old teammate and fellow captain of mine, Tyler Sealy. Tyler was truly like a big brother to me and helped me keep my head straight when things wouldn’t go right for me. He helped me find my voice as a captain and leader.
What Have You Learned About Yourself from Being a Captain: I have learned that I need to speak more confidently and consistently. I also learned that I could thrive in helping others on and off the court to be prepared for life, class, and basketball.
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: I have visited 35 states in my life so far.
Advice for Younger Teammates/Student-Athletes and Future Captains: Go and support other teams and athletes on campus. We all want to feel important and supported. Have some school pride and spirit towards your other athletes on campus. Hard work and consistency is vital in people understanding that you care about the team and that selflessness that you provide will be contagious.
The Empire 8 Conference's “Captains” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions in a leadership role which focuses on how being in that role has helped them as a student-athlete and person in addition to preparing for life after college.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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