INSTITUTE, W.Va. –West Virginia State University Athletic Director David Hicks reflected Tuesday on the life and impact of student-athlete Ishmael Smith, a men’s basketball player who died this past weekend.

Smith, a junior guard, was found unresponsive in his dorm room Sunday afternoon by teammates after they returned from dinner.

Speaking on MetroNews Midday Tuesday afternoon, Hicks described Smith as a kind and compassionate person whose impact extended beyond the basketball court

“He had such a big heart, and I know that to some extent that sounds cliche, but I continue to hear stories of the things that he did for other people,” he said.

Hicks shared several examples relayed to him by staff and coaches. He said Smith gave flowers to the university’s volleyball coach earlier this semester after her dog died and regularly checked in with faculty and staff members whose phone numbers he had. Hicks said Smith would also make a point to greet him whenever they crossed paths in the convocation center.

Hicks said Smith introduced him to his father, a former West Virginia State football player, following last Wednesday’s game against Wheeling University.

In addition to his presence on campus, Hicks said Smith was active in community outreach efforts, including visits to Dunbar Primary School, where student-athletes read to children.

“We’ve been doing some community service as department, just going over to Dunbar Primary School, our students go over there and read to their students and I’ve seen a video of Ish down there just laughing and carrying on with these young kids over there and he definitely left a legacy here in a short amount of time,” Hicks said.

Hicks said the university made the decision not to travel to Hawaii for a scheduled game Friday, citing the emotional state of the team.

“It was really evident that their hearts were just not going to be in it and they were just not ready to go out there and compete and while there was a sense that they believe Ish would want them to play, they were also like hey we’re not going to play for him if we can’t give our all,” he said.

Hicks said he expects the team to return to competition after taking time to grieve and to honor Smith throughout the remainder of the season.

“I think there very resilient and once they have the opportunity to fully process and grieve, I expect them to come back and you know play the game the way that Ish played and play for him and in his honor,” he said.

Hicks said a campus memorial will be organized after students return for the spring semester Jan. 12.