- (865) 535-6333
- info@noathlete.org
- 4900 Guinn Rd Knoxville, TN 37931
No Athlete Left Behind is a donor-led organization that connects young, underprivileged athletes with the resources needed to attack life on and off the playing field. With your support, children and teens from all backgrounds can enjoy a bright and successful future.
Founded by former NFL player Lee Smith, No Athlete Left Behind Foundation is a donor-led organization based in Knoxville, TN, dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth athletes. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities, we aim to help young athletes overcome challenges both on and off the field, fostering success and personal growth.
Together, we are creating a community where no athlete is ever left behind.
No Athlete Left Behind is a donor-led organization that connects young, underprivileged athletes with the resources needed to attack life on and off the playing field. With your support, children and teens from all backgrounds can enjoy a bright and successful future.
Lee attributes much of his success to the NFL’s world-class support system, which helped him overcome injuries and physical challenges throughout his career. However, he credits his greatest achievements to his unwavering faith and relationship with Jesus Christ—a foundation that has guided him through every chapter of his life.
Today, Lee’s vision has taken shape through the No Athlete Left Behind Foundation and Triple F, a state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot athletic development facility in Knoxville. His mission is simple: to provide first and second chances to young athletes, equipping them with the tools, faith, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Founder
No Athlete Left Behind is a donor-led organization that connects young, underprivileged athletes with the resources needed to attack life on and off the playing field. With your support, children and teens from all backgrounds can enjoy a bright and successful future.
Lee attributes much of his success to the NFL’s world-class support system, which helped him overcome injuries and physical challenges throughout his career. However, he credits his greatest achievements to his unwavering faith and relationship with Jesus Christ—a foundation that has guided him through every chapter of his life.
Today, Lee’s vision has taken shape through the No Athlete Left Behind Foundation and Triple F, a state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot athletic development facility in Knoxville. His mission is simple: to provide first and second chances to young athletes, equipping them with the tools, faith, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Board Member
Scott Daniel has held marketing, sales, and leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Bush’s Beans, and Fanatics. He is currently the Director of Hobby Shops at Fanatics Collectibles, a division of Fanatics Holdings, Inc. He has a proven track record delivering business growth via multi-million-dollar marketing and sales plans in both lean and high-resource company environments.
Additional entrepreneurial experience in sports collectibles (Underdog Collectibles), and start-ups (Bradshaw Ranch Burgers). He and his wife, Stephanie, have two teenage boys, and passionately believe in the role that sports plays in character development, work ethic, and academic success.
They also proudly support Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, Friends of the Smokies, and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.
Board Member
Kevin C. Stevens is a shareholder in the firm, focusing on real estate law, civil litigation, and general corporate law. He serves as general counsel to two of Tennessee's largest property owners associations and represents numerous community associations, private country clubs, and a regional solid waste commission. Recognized for his expertise, Kevin has been included in The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Community Association Law, and Real Estate Law.
With extensive experience in complex litigation, Kevin regularly represents corporate and governmental clients in Tennessee state and federal courts. He has successfully argued cases involving multimillion-dollar claims, contractual disputes, and development issues. Kevin also advises on construction-related matters and high-value real estate transactions, including a $35 million stock sale of a resort rental management agency.
A graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of Tennessee College of Law, Kevin was an editor of the Tennessee Law Review and is active in professional organizations, including the Community Associations Institute, where he chairs the East Tennessee Regional Council. His work has earned him recognition as a Top Attorney in Cityview Magazine for business litigation, construction law, and real estate development.
Board Member
Fletcher Lee is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of several technology companies, blending a background in finance with a passion for innovation. A graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, he holds a major in Finance with minors in Economics and Accounting.
In 1999, at the age of 22, Lee co-founded Blastro.com in Austin, TX, a trailblazing platform for apps and Smart TV channels that reached millions of consumers monthly. As the lead executive, he spearheaded the production of thousands of short-form music videos, primarily showcasing live concert performances.
In 2010, Lee founded TourGigs, a technology-driven video production company revolutionizing the concert video industry. Under his leadership, TourGigs has produced hundreds of live concert streams and films, leveraging cutting-edge formats from HD to 4K/UHD and virtual reality. The company’s innovative efforts are complemented by its sister company, Gigcasters.
As a founder and board member of Gigcasters, Lee collaborates with content creators to optimize the use of hardware and software systems, pushing the boundaries of technology in the entertainment industry. He also holds a U.S. patent for technology designed to protect digital media from piracy, reflecting his dedication to safeguarding content creators' rights.
Beyond the tech world, Lee is an active investor in real estate, energy, and service industries. Residing in Knoxville, TN, he continues to drive innovation and foster deal flow, leaving a lasting impact across multiple sectors.
Board Member
Born and raised in Knoxville, Arthur received both his bachelor's degree in business administration and master's degree in finance from the University of Tennessee. He currently serves as President and CFO of CML Property Group, a real estate development company operating inside the self-storage sector.
Arthur has always been drawn to mentoring young athletes. During his time at the University of Tennessee, he coached both middle and high school football at the Webb School of Knoxville. While both teams were extremely successful on the field, the relationships formed with the players is what he appreciates the most, and many of those relationships exist today. Arthur sees NALB as an avenue to continue his fellowship with the area's youth.
Recently married, Arthur and his wife, Hannah, are expecting their first child in June of 2025.
Board Member
Coming Soon
Board Member
Rodney Hudson is an accomplished American football center, celebrated for his remarkable career both in college and the NFL. Born in Mobile , Alabama, Hudson played college football at Florida State University, where he distinguished himself as a two-time All-American. His exceptional performance led to his selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Over his NFL career, he also played for the Oakland Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Hudson was inducted into the Florida State University Hall of Fame in 2023. Growing up in a single-parent household, Hudson supported his mother by working at Kentucky Fried Chicken during his early years. HIs experiences shaped his understanding of the importance of strong role models in the home.
Hudson developed a close bond with Lee Smith during their time with the Oakland Raiders, and he and his wife, Amber, are the godparents of Smith’s oldest son. Committed to making a difference, Hudson actively supports No Athlete Left Behind, aiming to be a positive influence for local youth.
Board Member
Jon Feliciano is a powerhouse on the field and a hero off it. Now in his tenth NFL season, he serves as a seasoned offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers, following impactful stints with the NY Giants, Buffalo Bills, and Oakland Raiders. Known for his fierce play and resilience, Jon has earned three Pro Bowl nominations and was awarded the Bills' 2020 Ed Block Courage Award.
Jon's commitment to giving back is just as strong off the field. He regularly hosts backpack and holiday dinner giveaways, providing thousands of free backpacks and meals to needy families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated $25,000 to Meals on Wheels South Florida and Feeding South Florida, along with contributions to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Latinos in Action, Western High School Football, and The Belle Center.
Additionally, Jon supports the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and mentors young football talent at the Triple F Training Facility in Knoxville.
A proud University of Miami graduate, Jon balances his demanding career with family life in South Florida and Knoxville, TN, where he lives with his wife, Shannon, and their three children.
Board Member
Melcharle' “Mel” Thompson is a dedicated service-oriented leader and a proud native of Charleston, SC. Currently she serves as the Housing Operation Coordinator for Grow Free TN, powered by Compassion Coalition Against Human Trafficking. With over 13 years of experience as a Foster Care Supervisor for the Department of Children Services, Mel’s career has been centered around supporting vulnerable populations. She also worked with Catholic Charities of East TN, assisting homeless elderly individuals.
A Hurricane Katrina evacuee, Mel moved to East TN and believes her greatest gift is the ability to serve others. She’s also a proud mother of two boys Tristan, and Jamil, who are both active members of NALB. Tristan plays basketball and soccer, while Jamil plays football and wrestles. Both boys understand the value of community service, volunteering with 100 Black Men of Knoxville, and participating in various local philanthropies.
Mel is a graduate of Southern University A&M, received bachelor of science degree in Psychology with a concentration in substance abuse counseling. She attended Hampton University on full scholarship for basketball and majored in Psychology.
Board Member
A Knoxville native, Kevin graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has extensive experience in retirement planning. He is recognized as a Certified Retirement Plan Specialist (C(k)P®), Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®), and a Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPCTM).
He is a member of the National Association of Plan Advisors and serves as treasurer for the board of No Athlete Left Behind. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Jody and their two dogs Drake and Bootsy.
We are so thankful to our community and sponsors who have invested in our program. Hear from one of our Athlete’s Parents.
Copyright © 2023-2025. No Athlete Left Behind Inc., a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.