ACU's Smith Gains Wisdom at Faith-Based Leadership Camp

ACU men's basketball player Rich Smith is the latest Wildcat to take part in the Athletes in Action's Captains Academy, an exclusive, faith-based mentor and leadership program.

The four-day event brought together 28 players from 20 universities to learn how to step into a bigger leadership role – something Smith expects to have this season.

"Coach Tanner said it would be a good thing for the role that I'm trying to take this season," and Smith. "It really helped. I came back with a lot of information and wisdom."

Former ACU players Payten Ricks, Immanuel Allen, and Kolton Kohl have participated in Captains Academy. Smith said he participated in team bonding activities, discussed characteristics of leaders, and talked with current professional players.

"After four days I feel like I have brothers now, a new family. It was a really cool experience."

Captains Academy was highlighted by USA Basketball senior national team chaplain Morris Michalski's presentation of the Leadership Pyramid. Michalski is also the team chaplain for the Indiana Pacers.

Click here to view the ACU men's basketball schedule

With multi-year ACU starters Hunter Jack Madden and Leonardo Bettiol moving on, Smith's role at point guard will carry added responsibility to be the player his teammates look to in pressure situations.

"Those were big pieces on the team last year," Smith said about Maddon and Bettiol. "But I feel like we have a new opportunity this year. We have guys who are ready to come in and work hard. They're hungry and they want it. 

"[The returners] get to set the standard. We get to show the new guys what it is to be a Wildcat. Last year we had a few returners so we started everything from scratch. This year we know what it takes to win. We know the feeling of losing the first round. By having that knowledge, we can give that to the young guys."

Smith transferred to ACU in 2024 after two years at Division II St. Thomas Aquinas College. During his first season with the Wildcats he started 23 games and dished out a team-high 99 assists (an average of three per game). Smith also tied for the team-lead with 43 steals.

The Wildcats begin their season with three consecutive home games: Nov. 3 vs. McMurry, Nov. 6 vs. Omaha, and Nov. 11 vs. Southwestern Adventist.

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