WOODWAY, Texas — Victor Carmichael graduated from University High School and attended Sam Houston State. He works with kids on a daily basis, something he said he loves to do.
"He makes an amazing difference on the kids," said Latoya Neal, who nominated him. "When he talks about it, he's truly walking the walk. It's not just something he talks about. He's truly showing the kids if you believe you can do it, you can do it."
Carmichael was selected as this week's Subway Standout Coach. It's a way for coaches in the community to be honored for making a difference.
"I feel like kids need an opportunity," Carmichael said. "If we don't give it to them, they won't have one. There's a lot of things in Texas outside of Waco. So, my mission, my job, is to expose these kids to other things around the state and even around the country."
Neal, whose son is coached by Carmichael in basketball, said she met him when her son was playing football. She said her son never played basketball before, but Carmichael implored her to bring him out.
"My son had never played basketball before, he was just a football kid," she said. "We haven't left the gym since."
She also said she doesn't think she would ever let someone else coach her son because of the experience they've had as a family.
"It's about his character," she said. "He talks about adversity, he talks about building character, he puts them in those positions. He doesn't give them any slack and he holds them accountable."
The coach from Waco, who went off to pursue his dreams of playing professionally, came back because the calling in Central Texas was bigger than he ever imagined, he said.
"I want them to develop a work ethic," Carmichael said. "I want them to learn how to work hard because nothing in life is for free. It's not going to be easy."
"It's not just about basketball for him, he's truly there for the kids," Neal said. "He talks to the kids about being good young men and women, being responsible, being good leaders."
Through the drills, the quiet conversations and the discipline of coaching, above all else, Carmicheal wants the children to find their place in the world.
"The joy of seeing them succeed if why I do this," he said. "I don't cut them no slack. It'd be tough on them, but when they finally succeed at what we're doing, it's a big accomplishment to them and I share that with them. I love it."
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