By now, anyone with a remote interest in sports has heard the name Stephen Curry (and thanks to Drake, so has just about everyone else). The NBA’s reigning MVP boasts an average of 32 points per game this season to go with his 52 percent field goal success rate. Not to mention, Curry also received his NBA Championship ring prior to the first game along with the rest of the 2014-2015 Golden State Warriors. To say the least, Steph Curry’s resume is stacked.
There is one piece of Curry’s resume, however, that is often overlooked: last season, Curry was honored with the Kia Community Assist Season-long Award for his outstanding charitable contributions throughout the season. Curry worked to bring bed nets to Tanzania with Nothing But Nets and educational opportunities to children of active military personnel with ThanksUSA. And those are just two examples. Curry’s service has helped a myriad of causes in the local and global community.
Curry addressed the media after receiving the award saying, “Giving back to the community and those in need is something that has always been close to my heart and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to touch people’s lives and hopefully impact them in a positive way.”
Good publicity doesn’t seem to be a motive for Curry either. Numerous teammates, coaches and even opponents have praised Curry’s character and describe him as a class act and a joy to be around. In an interview with USA Today, teammate and fellow point guard Shaun Livingston extols Curry’s balance of competitive spirit and down-to-earth attitude on and off the court.
“As far as a superstar, he’s one of the most humble superstars there is, by far,” said Livingston. “His humility kind of resonates throughout the locker room.”
Curry’s humble persona is often attributed to his deep love of family and the values he was raised with. Brought up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Curry comes from a household of athletes that cherish all the time they have together. Father and former NBA player Dell Curry recalls trying to set a good example for Curry and his siblings by emphasizing the importance of family time and always being mindful of every talent and opportunity they have received. Curry has embraced this wholeheartedly as he continues to stay grounded amid his rising fame. Whether he is spending time with his wife Ayesha and their two young daughters, cheering on his brother Seth in his inaugural season with the Sacramento Kings, or simply pointing to the ceiling after every made shot as a nod to his Christian faith, Curry has always found ways to stay true to himself and maintain his unpretentious approach.
Don’t let the nickname fool you; the Baby-Faced Assassin actually has a heart of gold. It’s nice to see that one of today’s most high-profile athletes also serves as a great role model for fans everywhere. Steph Curry shows that no amount of success in any field puts you higher than the rest of humanity. The rest of Steph’s career should be a thrill to watch as he takes the world by storm with his scintillating shot and charming charisma.
