Today we’d like to introduce you to Detrick Smith.
Hi Detrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is definitely unorthodox, but that’s what makes it special. I got my start working at Foot Locker, where I was constantly surrounded by sneakers and sneaker culture. Around that time, I was doing casual sneaker reviews on Snapchat—nothing fancy, just sharing my honest thoughts and reactions with my followers. My store manager actually caught wind of it and was the first person to say, “You should really start a YouTube channel.”
That stuck with me. I did my homework, looked into what it would take to start a channel seriously, and invested in the right equipment—good lighting, editing software, and a Sony vlogging camera that my cousin Gerald gifted me, which meant a lot. From there, I hit the ground running, and I’ve been going strong since 2018. What started as something small and fun on Snapchat turned into a full-blown passion and platform, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s hasn’t at all but I think I like it like that. The only way to grow is to face our fears and conquer any obstacles. The early struggles were getting people to find my channel. Cracking YouTube’s algorithm is tough lol
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of YouTube, I wear a lot of hats, but each one connects back to my passion for developing young people through sports, education, and culture. I teach Health and Physical Education across elementary, middle, and high school levels, and I also coach varsity football, serve as the Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, and Head Girls Varsity Track Coach. Outside of school, I coach AAU basketball with the Palmetto 76ers/A’ja Wilson Elite program, where I help student-athletes grow both on and off the court.
Basketball is truly my specialty and my passion—it’s the lane where I feel I make the biggest impact. I take pride in teaching the game the right way, developing talent, and using basketball as a vehicle to teach life lessons. I’m also a sneaker content creator, which gives me a platform to express my personality and connect with a community that shares my love for the culture.
What sets me apart is my versatility and the way I bring energy, authenticity, and mentorship to every space I’m in. Whether I’m in the classroom, on the court, or behind the camera, my goal is always to inspire, educate, and lead with purpose. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my students and athletes—and watching them grow into confident, successful people is the ultimate reward. Also the the relationships I’ve built with other content creators across the country
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Definitely—finding a mentor and building a strong network can be game-changers. One of the best ways to start is by being intentional about showing up in the right spaces. For me, that meant attending coaching clinics, sports management conferences, and even volunteering at events where leaders in the industry would be present. From there, it’s about being genuinely curious—asking thoughtful questions, showing respect for their time, and following up. I’ve learned that people are usually willing to share knowledge if they see you’re serious and respectful. Also, don’t underestimate peers—some of the best mentorship comes from people just a few steps ahead of you who are still close to the grind.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goat_weezay?igsh=MWZvdXIzYnNzcHVpNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14YkqiLj4G/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/coach_smithweez?s=21&t=sJqhuoLwFPAF2CSqfNTxQg
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@goatweezay?si=zCpr92RrtZ77HBRm
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@goat_weezy?_t=ZT-8vjVn2u1PBe&_r=1
