May 7, 2023
Southfield, MI – The weather was perfect at Pebble Creek Park for Sound Mind Sound Body’s year-end
Cookout & Combine.
The E.L.I.T.E. squad’s coaches, students, and parent volunteers were recognized for their outstanding performance and achievements throughout the 2022-2023 season.
Sound Mind Sound Body E.L.I.T.E. is one of the largest traveling teams, with approximately 200 enrolled players and 40 coaches and staff members.
“We had a chance to play some fun 7v7 games and get some conditioning in,” shared Dakota Guerrant, who received a leadership award for the 14u team.
“I didn’t always talk a lot, but I’m stepping into leadership and talking more. Leaders lead winning teams.”
The program’s curriculum ensures athletes are using self awareness techniques to improve their overall confidence and capabilities.
Dakota, who plays WR/DB for S.M.S.B., will be an incoming freshman at Harper Woods High School this Fall.
As a leader, he also shared areas where he’s had a chance to improve, “I’ve had a chance to get better. I’m running routes better. S.M.S.B. and track have helped prepare me a lot for my upcoming High School season.”
One of his most memorable moments throughout the 2022-2023 season was his recent college visit to Penn State University the same weekend the team competed in the OT7 Baltimore tournament.
The special awards given during the Combine & Cookout featured six categories: Most Improved, Offensive M.V.P., Defensive M.V.P., Leadership, Most Engaged, and Most Valuable Parent.
Sound Mind Sound Body extends its appreciation to all players, coaches, parents, and volunteers. The top performer recipients of the 2022-2023 Sports Awards are as follows:
| Most Improved | Offensive MVP | Defensive MVP | Leadership | Most Engaged | Most Valuable Parent | |
| 10u | Karie Clinton | Jordan Anthony | Thomas “Flash” Jones | Mason Woods | Djoser Tabron | Donald Tabron/Endea Newsom |
| 12u | Amir Forris Stanton | Christian Marshall | Peyton Robinson | William Welch IV | Darnell Canady | Lamar Robinson/Alexis Forris |
| 14u | Je’Maile Harden | Donald Tabron | Darryl Flemister/Jacarri “Hollywood” Anderson | Dakota Guerrant | Dawoud Issa | Rushdi Issa/Amber Smith |
| 15u | Xavier Newsom | Trae Taylor | Marcello Vitti | Trae Taylor | Ryan Counts | |
| 18u | Phil Garland | Isaiah “Zeke” Marshall | Jeremiah Beasley | Jacob Oden | Drew Rankin | Cathy Rankin |
| Lineman | Gregory Myles | Davonta Love | Lamar Fairfax | Ronald Jackson | Eiron Beamon | Barbara Myles |
Alexis Forris was one of five parents recognized with M.V.P. (Most Valuable Parent) awards during a recognition segment of the event.
The year-round team mom was surprised by the well-deserved award, “I wasn’t expecting anything.”
Her presence and support while traveling for 7v7 tournaments allow the young men to thrive in the “absence of a biological parent who possibly couldn’t make the trip due to other obligations.”
The Combine & Cookout “felt like a big end-of-the-year party” as everyone in attendance enjoyed another successful year.
Student-athletes had fun while doing speed conditioning and competing against one another. SMSB gave away free merch during the event while the camaraderie amongst parents was at an all-time high.
Sound Mind Sound Body is a proven platform that ensures students matriculate to post-secondary education by successfully prioritizing and balancing a unique curriculum that combines life skills, athleticism, and academics. STUDENT + ATHLETE + SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY + SOUND DECISION-MAKING = SUCCESS.
If you or someone you know is interested in the Sound Mind Sound Body program, please click here to complete an application.
Please click here to donate.