Nolan Smith

Duke University’s Division 1 Men’s Basketball Coach Nolan Smith is known as “The People’s Champ.” After leading the Duke University Blue Devils to a national championship, he played in the NBA before returning home to Duke University to serve as an Assistant Coach for Duke University Men’s Basketball. Smith was one of 11 from Division I basketball named to the Teamworks Basketball Leadership Committee. The committee, comprised of the most forward-thinking Teamworks’ partners from around the country, will converge to help shape the future of athlete engagement and drive the development of best practices throughout the athletics industry. Smith’s compelling storytelling, combined with his passion for mentorship and community engagement, makes him an engaging and motivating speaker, capable of inspiring audiences across various fields.

Smith is the North Carolina state ambassador for Teen Cancer America, an organization designed to help bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology care, serving alongside celebrities such as The Band Perry, Eddie Vedder, and Joan Jett. He has also been named a George H.W. Bush Points of Light Inspiration honoree. Smith’s extensive community contributions, including his work with youth programs and charitable initiatives, enrich his speeches with firsthand experiences of leadership, empathy, and social impact, making him a compelling and relatable speaker.