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From the Court to the Classroom: Austin Smith '26 Builds a Future Through Storytelling and Sport
Graduating senior heads to Emerson College after standout years as a student-athlete, budding author, and campus leader
University News | May 7, 2026
When Austin Smith ‘26 crosses the stage on May 16 to receive his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Wesleyan University, he will celebrate far more than the completion of four years of college. His journey has been defined by leadership, creativity, athletics, and a commitment to telling meaningful stories.
A Media and Communication major with a minor in English, Smith arrived at Virginia Wesleyan from Memphis with a passion for communication and journalism already deeply rooted in his life. Initially drawn to the University through basketball and the opportunity to play for Basketball Head Coach Dave Macedo, Smith quickly found that the academic environment matched his ambitions just as strongly as the athletic program.
“The beach was a great selling point,” Smith said with a smile, “but communication and journalism have always been a part of my life, and I knew the program at VWU would ultimately help me succeed.”
Over the course of his collegiate career, Smith immersed himself in nearly every aspect of campus life. He served as vice president of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society and became a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma College Athletics Honor Society, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He was also a four-year member of the Virginia Wesleyan men’s basketball team, balancing the demands of athletics and academics while building lifelong friendships and leadership skills.
Among his many accomplishments, one experience stands above the rest: becoming a published author. During the fall semester of his senior year, Smith released his children’s book, “Rise Up Ronnie,” a milestone he describes as one of the most memorable moments of his college experience.
“Being a published author means a lot,” he said. “It allowed me to meet some wonderful people and showed me that storytelling can really make an impact.”
The achievement reflects Smith’s broader aspirations. While basketball has played a major role in shaping his college experience, writing and journalism remain central to his long-term vision. After graduation, Smith will move to Boston to attend Emerson College, where he will pursue a master’s degree in Sports Communication while also using his fifth year of athletic eligibility to continue playing basketball.
His ultimate career goal is to continue writing and building a future in journalism — a path inspired and encouraged by faculty mentors who helped shape his academic journey. Smith credits professors Dr. Gavin Pate, Dr. Kellie Holzer, and Dr. Kathy Merlock Jackson for challenging and supporting him throughout his time at Virginia Wesleyan. He also expressed gratitude for Head Coach Dave Macedo, Coach Marcus Curry, and athletic trainer Kerri Zamora for their guidance on and off the court.
Smith says he valued the full range of courses he experienced at Virginia Wesleyan, particularly the blend of English and Communication classes that strengthened both his analytical and creative skills.
Outside the classroom, some of his favorite memories were made in the Batten Student Center and the men’s basketball locker room — places where teammates became family and where countless conversations, celebrations, and moments of growth unfolded.
As Smith prepares for the next chapter, he leaves Virginia Wesleyan with an impressive legacy of leadership, scholarship, athletic achievement, and creativity. Whether through journalism, authorship, or athletics, he is determined to continue telling stories that inspire others to rise up — just as he has done throughout his time at VWU.