For Gregory C. Smith, creating a safe place to play is more than a mission—it’s personal. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, he grew up surrounded by the realities of gang culture and violence. While many of his peers were pulled into those circumstances, Gregory found direction and purpose through two powerful influences: his love for sports and the steady guidance of his father, a respected local pastor. Witnessing his father lay friends to rest almost every other Saturday gave Gregory a profound understanding of the real stakes facing young people in at-risk communities.

Today, Gregory turns his life experiences into action through the Place to Play Foundation, a Long Beach–based nonprofit focused on youth development and sports equity. As the Founder and CEO of both the Foundation and BBallers Hoops LLC, he works to make sure every child has access to quality training, regardless of financial circumstances.

By operating as the charitable arm of his basketball academy, the Foundation provides scholarships, mentorship, and character-building programs to youth in need. Gregory’s work is driven by a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to succeed in a positive, supportive environment.