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Shaka Smart reflects on coaching as a new dad

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RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – VCU coach Shaka Smart is in the middle of his third season with the Rams, but this is his first as a new father. Daughter Zora is now 4 1/2 months old but still comes to every home game as one of the Rams newest fans.

She has also been out recruiting locally with her parents…including a stop at a game at Meadowbrook High recently. On Tuesday, we asked Coach Smart about how things are different for him after becoming a dad.

“Things haven’t really changed all that much, maybe a little less sleep” Smart said. He also said being a father has given him a new perspective on not only coaching but life as well. His players and assistant coaches have also noticed a change in the man who led the Rams to last year’s Final Four.

“It makes you want to win more” Smart said. “I want to do well for her (Zora), even though she has no idea what it’s all about. Although, the one game we did lose at home, she was very upset afterwards and all the other games she’s been great. So maybe she knows.”

Smart also said even though it’s been less than 5 months, he can’t remember what life was like before his daughter was born.