Stephen Curry

  Stephen Curry: A Hero On and Off the Court

The world’s view of a hero might change based on what is happening in modern society. A hero to the world would be someone who is helping the main problem. Often a person who is considered a hero is doing huge things to impact the world. However, a true everyday hero doesn’t always have to be trying to solve society's problems all the time. simple actions can also make someone a hero. A true everyday hero is a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. A true hero is someone who does good for the world, puts others before themselves, and puts their fame to good use to support causes. Stephen Curry is a great example of an everyday hero because he satisfies most of the main points in all these definitions. He is hardworking because of his determination, he puts others before himself, and he is a kind, respectful man. All of these simple, yet powerful traits make Curry an inspiring figure others look up to, a person who is idealized for what they do to impact the world.

Wardell Stephen Curry II was born on March 14, 1988 in Akron, Ohio. He was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina where his dad, Dell Curry,  played basketball in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets. Growing up he played many different sports, but then discovered his true passion for basketball when he was in eighth grade. He desired to follow his dad’s path and like him, wanted to play basketball professionally. When he was in high school, his dominant shooting talents took him far, but not far enough to receive attention from major colleges. He was doubted by bigger colleges because of his size and lack of strength. Through his hard work and patience, he was recruited by a small school called Davidson. Curry led the team to as far as they have been in the famous college tournament March Madness and he started getting much more recognition. Because of this recognition, he was drafted into the NBA as the seventh pick to the Golden State Warriors in 2009. He led them to a secure the best record by any team in NBA history and led his team to three championships. He may be the best shooter the world has ever seen in basketball, but it’s his determination, kindness and respect to his supporters, and his selfless choices he makes with all his money that make him an everyday hero. With his deals from companies, his fame, and his amazing talent, there comes a lot of money, and he uses that money for good causes which earns him the title of an everyday hero. The story of his life, and the amazing choices he made as he got older is what makes him a beloved role model to this generation and generations to come. Stephen Curry who is a respectful, determined, and selfless star basketball player in the NBA, is also an amazing inspiration figure for millions around the world to look up to, which makes him an everyday hero.

Stephen Curry in Davidson college.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry#/media/File:Stephen_Curry_Davidson.jpgStephen Curry displays many heroic traits, and one of the many that stand out is determination. Stephen Curry has been doubted a lot in his life, and his determined mindset that reminds him to keep going and striving for greatness is a great quality in him and a reason why so many people around the world are inspired by him. The first time he really started to experience doubt by others that could affect his career was when Curry was in high school and big basketball colleges were not recruiting him:  However, he was determined to keep getting better and didn’t let what colleges told him get to his head. In a documentary Curry was asked “‘How did you handle the disappointment of those bigger schools not coming after you?’” He replied ‘I used it as motivation that summer before my senior year in high school to just play my game and the right coach and the right college will come and make themselves know they wanted me.’ Steph said.”(Ball_Motivation). Curry could have given up, but he stayed determined, patient, and kept working his hardest to be the best player he could possibly be.  It exemplifies his trait of staying determined to achieve his goals and turn hate into motivation. When an individual, such as Curry, doesn’t give up just because people doubt them, it shows that they are dedicated to keep striving for greatness. His determination is critical because it spreads the message to never give up, and is part of the reason millions of people look up to him. Later in his career, Curry faced many injuries that held him back from playing the game he loved. Curry was injured in the playoffs, which is the most important time in the basketball season and, instead of feeling a sense of pity for himself, he was determined to come back better than ever, ready to dominate, and he certainly did: “The Warriors were put to the test when Curry suffered ankle and knee injuries early in the playoffs, but he returned to score a record 17 overtime points in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals, before sparking a comeback win in the following round over the Oklahoma City Thunder.”(Ott, Tim. “Stephen Curry.” Biography.com) Curry could have quit but he didn’t.  When most people injure themselves they wallow in self-pity, or just rest and wait for the injury to heal. Curry, however, was doing everything he could to get back on the court, and be better than ever. He recovered and proceeded to lead his team to more wins. Fighting through an injury and not getting down on yourself shows determination; he was determined to come back because of his passion: basketball. Curry is determined in the hardest of times, and this is what makes him an everyday hero, he finds the light even in the tough times. Curry’s injuries being overpowered by his will to get well is a great example of staying determined and finding the light in the dark; it inspires the people who look up to him to never give up. Later, Steph Curry and his team lost the 2016 NBA finals, in a close, hard fought battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In an interview after the game, Steph stated: “‘It hurts, man,’. But he promised to remember the hurt and use it to drive him to improve next year. Curry’s hard work paid off - the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in the 2017 NBA Finals.” (Braun, Eric. Stephen Curry. p.27) Losing in something you have been working for all year is definitely heart-breaking. It makes an individual feel like crying, reflecting on what went wrong, and even making excuses. While crying and reflecting on what you could have done better is not a bad thing, it is not the best option. Curry could have let himself down and given up.  Instead he accepted the fact that his team has lost and got straight back to work because he never wanted to feel the pains of losing again. He worked harder than ever to go back and defeat the team that had beaten them last year. He was not only confident, but also very determined to win that trophy and his hard work and determination paid off. Determination  is significant in a hero because it shows that even through times where you feel like giving up it is important to keep giving your best effort. Steph Curry did this and his determination led him to be one of the best shooters of all time. Stephen Curry doesn't directly tell his fans to be determined, but instead indirectly displays it through his story of how he made it to the NBA, his attitude while he is injured, and the way he reacts to a loss. He stays focused on bouncing back and learning from these experiences to be better than ever, because he never wanted let people doubt his abilities or lose again. Not many people stay determined and true to themselves in hard times when there is hate, or when things are not going your way, but Stephen Curry did, and it inspires people all around to do the same, which ultimately makes him a deserving everyday hero.

Stephen Curry at the Olympics.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry#/media/File:20140814_World_Basketball_Festival_Stephen_Curry.JPGStephen Curry’s kindness and respect towards his supporters is a simple action, yet has a powerful positive effect on others and is part of the reason he is considered an everyday hero. Steph Curry is kind to all of his fans he meets, his parents, teammates, and coaches, because he respects them for supporting him along his journey. It’s the least he can do, but it is a very meaningful thing to the people who know or have met him. A specific example of this is a young girl who spent a day with Curry after her house burned down, and the only thing she had retrieved were her shoes. The day spent with Curry was memorable and a once in a lifetime opportunity.  “She said that it was ‘the best day of her life & her biggest dream come true’. ‘Steph as the nicest guy.’” Spending a day with someone to cheer them up after a tragedy is an act of kindness. Curry displays his kindness by cheering up a girl who’s going through a tough time. He understands that people go through things, so simply being kind can change someone’s day, and this is why the simple act of being kind is significant. Kindness is a heroic trait because as simple it is it makes a huge impact on others, it brightens someone's day, just like Curry did to this girl. If Steph Curry spent the day with someone who is going through a hard time, he is being kind to them and it shows he truly cares about his fans. Steph Curry is extremely kind to everyone, but his special kindness and respect towards his dad stands out. Curry and his dad are both basketball players and growing up Curry looked up to him, so he respects him a lot. After winning the MVP award he wrote a speech and later presented it. In his speech, Curry stated:  “‘And Pops, you're the example of what a true professional is on and off the court. I remember a lot of your career. And to be able to follow in your footsteps, it means a lot to me. This is special. I'm really proud of what you were able to do in your career, and I don't take that for granted at all.’” (Stephen Curry Ft. Golden State Warriors)  Stephen Curry looked up to what his dad did on and off the court and was kind enough to not only mention, but elaborate about his dad in his speech.  Curry mentioning his dad in his speech symbolizes his respect for his supporters and his realization that without significant figures, such as his dad, he wouldn't be where he is now and this is why he tries to give back by being kind and respectful. It’s vital to always remember to be thankful for the people who stick by you, and this can be done by simply showing respect and kindness. Being kind and respectful is something that is often overlooked, yet so powerful. To Curry, being kind shows that he cares more about more than just himself and basketball. He truly is interested in interacting with his fans, teammates, coaches, and family because he is kind to them and respects them greatly. Steph Curry possesses kindness, which makes him a deserving hero.

Steph Curry in the NBA playing for the Golden State Warriors.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Curry#/media/File:Stephen_Curry_shooting.jpgStephen Curry is one of the best basketball players in the NBA league currently, which means he is paid large sums of money and is a busy individual. Without a doubt, he is rich and busy, but he uses his money and time unselfishly. His selflessness is a trait that is overlooked, but is one of the main reasons he is an everyday deserving hero.  Steph Curry will always make time for his fans even though his career in the NBA is very time consuming. In his free time, Curry’s desire to give back causes him to visit fans. In a book, it states: “He has a passion for kids. Even while his team was going for the all-time wins record in the 2015-16 season, he visited schools. He talks with students about living a healthy lifestyle and making smart choices. He regularly visits children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It makes him as happy as it does them.” (Braun, Eric. Stephen Curry.) Stephen Curry thinks beyond himself when visiting his fans, even in the middle of the playoffs he is making time for younger kids just because he knows it makes their day, he is not a one minded person who only cares for himself.  Being the busy man he is, he used his rare spare time to spend it with his fans because he knows how much it means to them, and it displays how selfless he is. Curry is involved in a lot of influential organizations that impact the world positively: “Since his time as a student at Davidson, Curry has been involved with the United Nations Foundation Nothing But Nets campaign, which distributes insecticide-treated mosquito nets across Africa to help combat malaria. The NBA star also raises resources for schools through the Stephen Curry Foundation and annually hosts a pair of charity golf events.”(Ott, Tim. “Stephen Curry.”) Curry has partnered with many different foundations and companies to supply kids with more resources so they can have a better tomorrow. When an individual uses their fame for a good cause to help others by donating, raising money, and hosting events it exemplifies unselfish behaviour which Curry has clearly shown. Selflessness is important because it shows fans that Curry actually cares about them and it also inspires people who look up to Steph Curry do the same. Through his small acts of being unselfish, Curry is giving back and making someone else’s life better which is a very heroic action.Being selfless and giving back is important because it impacts someone else, or the world in a positive way, which is one of the biggest parts of being an everyday hero.

 Stephen Curry’s miraculous talents on the basketball court are amazing, however the heroic traits he has to make him the person he is are even more amazing; his undying determination, respectful ways, kind actions, and selfless acts make him the everyday deserving hero he is. Steph Curry puts others before himself, he is kind to all his fans, respects everyone he meets, and is a very determined athlete. All this inspires people all around the globe to be just like him. Stephen Curry is significant to me because he is the perfect example of life is bigger than just the profession you have. He shows that it’s not always about you, but putting others first is a great trait to have and it will make you feel good on the inside. He is also very inspiring because through all the doubt from those around him, he stayed determined and focused on basketball, the thing he loved which shaped him to become the incredible human being he is today. Many people can relate to Curry, because many people also get doubted at one point or another in their life. I can relate to Curry because I have been doubted a lot too. I got cut from the varsity team this year but I stayed determined because I remembered Curry’s story in the back of my mind, and later got moved up to varsity. Curry teaches that even if you are doubted, hard work will always pay off. Stephen Curry is definitely part of the reason I didn’t give up, have become more caring towards others, and developed more selfless behaviours. Curry, a man who is admired, and is unarguably a genuine hero said it best: “Make sure you live in the moment and work your butt off every single day, and I hope I inspire people all around the world to just be themselves, be humble, and be grateful for all the blessings in your life.” (Stephen Curry (Ft. Golden State Warriors))

Works Cited

Ball_Motivation. “E60 Longshot: Stephen Curry Full Documentary Segment HD.” YouTube, YouTube, 8 Mar. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=U69E64byTDo.

Braun, Eric. Stephen Curry. Lerner Publications, 2017.

Ott, Tim. “Stephen Curry.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 15 Jan. 2019, www.biography.com/people/stephen-curry.

Stephen Curry (Ft. Golden State Warriors)“ – 2014-15 MVP Acceptance Speech.” Genius, genius.com/Stephen-curry-2014-15-mvp-acceptance-speech-annotated.

“Steph Curry Meets 9-Year-Old Girl Who Lost Home in Wildfires, but Saved Her Currys.” Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo!, sports.yahoo.com/steph-curry-meets-9-year-old-girl-lost-home-wildfires-saved-currys-023613112.html.