DeKalb GA News

At 17, Najee Smothers is setting new standards in overcoming challenges. Born with spina bifida and having undergone a lower leg amputation at nine, he has pursued his athletic dreams undeterred. His journey has garnered global recognition.

In October, Najee was honored as the Most Valuable Player Overall League in Georgia at the sixth annual Adapted Sports Programs in Recreation and Education (ASPIRE) Awards held in Atlanta. The event, organized by the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. (AAASP), acknowledges contributions to adapted sports nationwide.

“It felt great to win the award because I really felt like I was being seen by everyone,” said Najee. “Getting that award meant a lot to me because it shows how much [AAASP] actually cares, and they know what I can do.”

Previously, Najee received the 2023 ASPIRE Male Athlete of the Year award for the AdaptED Sports League. His involvement began at six when his speed caught attention, leading him to join the DeKalb Silver Streaks wheelchair basketball team within DeKalb County School District’s adapted sports program.

“That’s how I got started, and I’ve loved it ever since,” he said.

Silver Streaks head coach Delton Schoates remembers Najee as an energetic child who quickly embraced basketball.

“He loved being part of the team. A lot of the teams that we played fell in love with this cute little kid going up and down the court,” Coach Schoates said. “Sometimes he put his jersey on backward, and it kind of became his trademark.”

Assistant coach Everette Schoates highlighted Najee’s eagerness to learn and lead.

“He always had a desire to learn, and there was nothing that he wouldn’t try to do,” he said. “Najee has developed into a player-coach. He can coach the team, manage the team huddle, call timeouts, know the game, and know the rules of each game.”

Despite facing an amputation due to an infection from a burn on his left foot at age nine, Najee expanded his athletic pursuits across multiple sports including wheelchair basketball, football, handball, and track and field.

His prowess in wheelchair handball led to an invitation from the USA National Wheelchair Handball Team. He made their 10-person roster as its youngest member and competed in Egypt at the International Handball Federation (IHF) Wheelchair Handball World Championships where they won silver—a first for the national team.

“I really had fun helping out my team and cheering them on when I was on the sideline,” he said.

Currently a junior at Grayson High School in Gwinnett County, Najee plans for college while continuing athletics. Auburn University, University of Alabama, and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are among his considerations. Post-college aspirations include trying out for U.S Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team alongside continued participation with national handball squad.

Najee aims to inspire others facing similar hurdles: “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” he said. “Try and don’t give up.”

With unwavering determination coupled with resilience; not only does Najee Smothers navigate obstacles—he motivates others proving no dream remains unattainable.