About

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Rick Smith, Owner of SmithStrong Fitness and Skills, Basketball Skills Coach.

Rick Smith grew up in the DC and Maryland area, and attended Saint Vincent Pallotti High School from 1994-1998 where he scored 1183 points for his career. During his Senior year, he was selected to the All Prince George's County team, named The City of Laurel Player of the Year, and was also selected to play in the prestigious Capital Classic All Star game at the Verizon Center.

Rick attended Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY from 1999-2002 on a Division 1 Basketball Scholarship. While there, Rick was the first freshman to start in 20 years under Coach Dave Magarity, and he scored 1075 points during his college career. Rick was named to the All Tournament Team in 2001, where he averaged 19.3 points per game. His senior year, he was hampered with injuries but still was able to make 2nd team All MAAC and average a career best 11.8 points a game.

Rick hung up his sneakers in 2004 and decided to join the ranks as a Police Officer, and had a successful career throughout Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties. After seven years as an officer, he decided to pursue his passion and became a Certified Basketball Skills Coach with Ganon Baker Basketball. Since then, Rick has grown exponentially as a coach and trainer, and has helped many kids achieve their dreams.

In 2008, Rick was selected to the St. Vincent Pallotti High School Sports Hall of Fame for both basketball and Track and Field. This was one of his proudest moments as an athlete.


His passion for blending strength & conditioning with basketball training and personal development is why he is one of the most sought after trainers in the DMV.

Rick's Accolades & Certifications:

  • 1000 pt scorer at St. Vincent Pallotti High School (1183 points) 94-98

  • 1998 All County Prince George's County

  • 1998 Player of the year in the City of Laurel Md.

  • 1998 Capital Classic All Star

  • 1998 Third team all WCAC

  • 2008 Inducted into the St. Vincent Pallotti High School Sports Hall of Fame

  • 1000 point score at Marist College (1075 points) 98-02

  • 2001 All MAAC Tournament Team

  • 2002 2nd Team All MAAC

  • RKC Kettlebell Instructor

  • Training for Warriors Certified Instructor

  • Certified Basketball Skill Development Trainer (Ganon Baker Basketball)

  • Athletes Acceleration CSAC (Certified Speed and Agility Coach)

  • Black Belt in Street Combat Self Defense (Master Willie “The Bam” Johnson)