Steve Nash: A Most Versatile Person

I first met Steve in the winter of the 1991-92 school year. While Steve has probably no recollection of that very ordinary moment, I can remember it like it was yesterday.

As a young SMUS Middle School student, located at the old Gordon Head Campus and isolated from the Senior School, I made my way to the "ldquo;old" gym to watch the Senior Boys Basketball team practice and play. I never anticipated speaking with any of the athletes and was astounded when both Steve and Milan (Uzelac) came over to speak to me during pre-game warm ups. That very poignant moment changed my outlook and gave me confidence: two of Victoria's best athletes had taken the time to speak to a small and insignificant grade 8 student.

Now, having spent many moments and hours in Steve's company, I smile and reflect each time I see him take time for autographs, interviews, handshakes, or just conversation. Just this season, when the Phoenix Suns were in Toronto to play the Raptors, we arranged to meet for dinner, with other friends. We made what was to be a brief stop to watch the second half of a University of Toronto varsity basketball game. Steve wanted to visit his friend, Mike Katz, U of T head coach and a long time Canadian National Team coach, to lend his support. Arriving at half time, word spread quickly that Steve was in attendance. Approximately 200 young people swarmed him looking for an autograph or introduction. No one went home disappointed as Steve took his time with every single one before joining the rest of us in the stands.

Steve's generosity of time and his respect for people do not surprise his friends or acquaintances. During the Bike 4 MPS charity bike ride in the summer of 2002, he took time to talk to many young students as well as shoot some hoops with them at the high school on Salt Spring Island. He helped raise awareness of Mucopolysacharriodosis (MPS), a rare enzyme deficiency disorder. However, this is one of countless moments where Steve has shown unusual caring and respect.

A proud and passionate Canadian, Steve knows how he can make a point or statement in a diplomatic but astonishing way. He has the strength of his convictions and stands by them in word and action and without decrying the views or opinions of others. A simple statement on a T-shirt "Shoot for Peace" made what could be considered the unpopular view of a pointless war. A kind gesture of spending money given discretely to his fellow Canadian Olympic Basketball teammates did much to raise awareness for the lack of support for amateur sport in Canada.

He acts on the principle that any problem can be solved by a combination of hard work and respect: for self and others. Steve's principles of honesty, respect, discipline, and hard work, combined with his tolerance for defeat, and the determination to keep going, encourages his teammates and drives them to improve. Steve's leadership has resulted in the Suns' exceeding all expectations and working as a team. His example and guidance defines ultimate glory and not sole grandeur.

During his latest achievement, NBA MVP, he simply refused to accept the individual accolade and called his teammates to the podium to share the award for what he described a team effort. Steve Nash has not changed at all in the thirteen years since I first met him. He is still the same person, who makes time for everyone, be it for an autograph, interview, handshake, introduction, or conservation.

Steve is a born mentor and role model. He has inspired me to see every obstacle as a challenge or mere hurdle. I have tried to emulate his work ethic and positive attitude in all aspects of my life. I still treasure his freshman photo from Santa Clara: "From one SMUS boy to another". The boy has become a giant of a man, a wonderful example of what humanity was meant to be.

Simon Ibell (SMUS '96)