Nominate an Athlete for the All State Game

As the bright lights of the All State Game loom closer, the excitement in the realm of youth sports escalates. This year, the spotlight shines on a truly remarkable figure—Coach Damon Smith, affectionately known as Coach D. With 17 years of coaching under his belt, Coach D has left an indelible mark on the basketball scene in Middle Georgia and Stone Mountain. This seasoned coach is not only enthused by the game of basketball but also deeply committed to nurturing young talent and shaping future leaders.

The Road to the 2025 All State Game

The All State Game represents a pinnacle in youth athletics—an event where elite players gather to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie, and represent their communities. In 2025, Coach D will step onto this prestigious stage as an official coach, a role that symbolizes both personal achievement and an opportunity to significantly impact the lives of advanced youth athletes. His selection for this role is a testament to his dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of basketball stars.

A Legacy of Coaching and Community Engagement

Coach D’s journey began in 2008, when he first stepped onto the sidelines with a fervor that would become the hallmark of his coaching philosophy. He made his mark on the Adidas circuit with the Choice Management Knights and, currently, he serves as the middle school boys’ basketball coach at Fort Valley Middle School. Beyond the school gym, Coach D actively develops the talents of young athletes through the UA Future Circuit with Jason Gates and the Macon Mavs program.

However, his influence extends far beyond strategic plays and skill drills. Coach D is the driving force behind Peach County Elite, an AAU basketball program that ranges from 5th to 11th grade. This program is rooted in community service and collaboration—an initiative born from the recreation department’s All-Star teams, where parents and community members join forces to create a thriving environment for youth basketball. Whether through car washes, fish frys, or BBQ sales, Coach D’s vision fosters a spirit of unity and purpose. “I don’t claim the program as my own,” he humbly states. “The parents and the community of Peach County own this program because we all work together.”

More than Just Basketball: Teaching Life Lessons

At the core of Coach D’s approach is a profound belief: sports translate to life. For him, coaching basketball is not just about winning games or producing standout athletes; it’s an opportunity to teach life lessons that extend beyond the hardwood. Each practice, each game, offers a platform to instill values such as teamwork, perseverance, and respect—tools that these young athletes will carry with them far beyond their basketball careers.

“I love to service the community with my God-given talents,” Coach D shares. “It’s not just about teaching them how to play the game, but also about preparing them for life. Basketball helps them learn the importance of hard work, dedication, and the power of believing in themselves.”

A Vision for the Future

As Coach D prepares for the All State Game, he brings with him a wealth of experience and passion. This event is an outstanding opportunity for him not just to showcase his coaching acumen but to extend an invaluable message to the youth athletes in attendance: every player, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to shine. Reflecting the All State Game’s commitment to inclusivity, Coach D embodies the principle that talent and dedication are what truly matter. He believes that no athlete should sit on the sidelines due to financial constraints, echoing the organizational promise of full participation for every accepted athlete.

Conclusion

Coach Damon Smith is far more than a coach; he is a mentor, a community leader, and an inspiration. His journey from the courts of Middle Georgia to the prestigious platform of the All State Game exemplifies the power of dedication, service, and genuine love for the game. As he steps onto the sidelines in 2025, Coach D will not only lead a team of talented athletes but will also inspire them to carry forward the values that basketball instills—values that can transform not just the individual lives of these youth athletes, but also their communities. In this light, Coach D is a true champion, and his story continues to unfold, one basket, one lesson, and one inspired athlete at a time.