#19 - Kai Smoak - life lessons from one of your future leaders

Kai Smoak is a 9-year-old US soccer prodigy and one of your future leaders!!

Kai was born in Matthews, NC in 2011 and is the oldest child of Leigh and Mike Smoak who met in high school.  Kai's mom graduated from the University of South Carolina and his father graduated from Clemson University.... it is a house divided.  Kai is also the first grandchild of Sharon and Jim Smoak and Joanne Buchanan all of Myrtle Beach.  Kai was named after his dad’s favorite soccer player, Kai Haskavi.  Kai has a younger sister, Quinnleigh, who was born in 2013.

Kai Smoak started playing soccer when he was 2 years old and has played for 3 different teams.  He currently, plays futsal with Barefoot Futsal. 

Kai is inrolled in Weddington Elementary Schools Spanish immersion program.  He has traveled to Columbia, South America the past three summers where he gets to play soccer and use his Spanish.  Last summer while in Columbia, Kai had to help his mom communicate with medical technicians when she got injured because Kai could speak Spanis. 

In the winter, Kai plays basketball and this summer he started playing flag football as well as futsal.  This summer he also went to a couple of soccer camps and an ice skating camp.

Kai hopes to play soccer for the Clemson Tigers and play professionally some day.

Kai loves Dude Perfect and Lionel Messi is his favorite soccer player. You can follow Kai on Instagram at