In the whirlwind world of Athletes Unlimited, speed, strategy, and stamina collide—and NaLyssa Smith just turned the intensity up a notch. Captaining her team this week, Smith demonstrated that she’s more than a player; she’s a leader, a strategist, and the heartbeat of her squad.
The week started at breakneck speed. Smith had just finished her third straight double-double and immediately headed to the studio for the team draft. With little time to deliberate, she made her first pick with precision: Kelsey Mitchell, a high-energy guard who perfectly complemented Smith’s vision for her team. “I knew I wanted a great guard,” Smith said, “and Kelsey was my obvious choice.”
Guided by her facilitator, Zach Bunsig, Smith built a team rooted in continuity and chemistry. Her week-one teammates had laid a foundation, and Smith was determined to elevate it. “She came in with a plan—offensively and defensively,” Bunsig explained. “She wanted to step out of her comfort zone, and it’s pushing her growth to a whole new level.”
Unlike many teams that scrambled to organize their practice, Team Smith immediately embraced collaboration. Every player’s voice mattered; suggestions flowed, plays were adapted, and a culture of mutual coaching emerged. Smith prioritized understanding everyone’s strengths, designing plays that maximized her team’s skill sets, and emphasizing defense as the bedrock of their strategy.
Her leadership was more than tactical—it was inspiring. In her first game as captain, Smith led a thrilling comeback, rallying her team from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter. She exploded for 28 points and 12 rebounds, notching her fourth straight double-double and guiding Team Smith to a nail-biting 86-84 victory over Team Harrison.
The key to her success? Resilience and cohesion. “You could have let outside circumstances affect it,” Smith reflected. “But we stuck together, no fingers pointing, no blaming. We collectively wanted to win.” Her ability to motivate and unify her team under pressure showcased why she isn’t just a star player—she’s a game-changing leader.
As Athletes Unlimited continues, Smith’s week as captain signals something bigger: a player evolving into a true leader, capable of inspiring excellence, driving strategy, and proving that heart, vision, and teamwork can conquer any challenge.
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