I remember when we were looking to buy a new house seven years ago. We looked all around the Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton area. There were houses that met all our school and feature standards, but we would still say no. We were looking for something more. We were looking for neighborhood bikes, kids, and basketball hoops.
Finally, we came upon a neighborhood that had just what we were looking for -- kids playing outside. And in particular, every time we came by to look at one lot, there was always a boy outside across the street. Always dribbling a ball or throwing a ball. He looked older than our boys, but an active boy; I quickly envisioned him as a playmate for our active boys.
We bought the house and that boy became more than a playmate, he became our kids' role model, their hero. And his name is Matthew Cleveland.
It didn't take long for the boys to gravitate over towards Matthew. They would all play football games, baseball games and jump on a trampoline together. As our youngest was only four when all the boys started playing together, I was still the mom needing to supervise our preschooler outside. And, despite the kids' age difference, I watched as Matthew encouraged, protected, included, and showed kindness to the young kids. Our boys looked up to Matthew and wanted to be just like him.
Our next door neighbors with grown children had something neither the Clevelands or we had -- a driveway basketball hoop. They told the boys they could play on it any time they wanted. I don't think they knew what they bargained for... The boys played morning, noon and night on that basketball hoop. Our neighbors would have to move their cars, so our young kids could play basketball. I am guessing it got to be enough, so the neighbors' basketball hoop was moved. It was moved to Matthew's house.
The boys spent hours a day playing sports with Matthew. But it always came back to the basketball hoop. He showed them trick shots, dunk shots, and how to play defense. And as our boys started playing their own competitive sports -- they would always run over and tell Matthew about their own personal wins, victories, and stats. Matthew always listened and encouraged them.
I remember distinctively when our youngest was in about the third grade, he started sobbing one evening at bedtime. "I don't want Matthew to ever go away to college. I want him to live across the street from us forever." And by this time it was clear, not only would Matthew go away to college one day, but he showcased the talent of a true college athlete. The boys had him autograph shirts, shoes, paper - they knew... Matthew was going to the next level in sports.
Our boys soaked up everything from Matthew. He pitched baseballs to them when they were in hitting slumps. He shot free throws with them when they were struggling at the line. And he coached and encouraged them to just keep practicing and playing.
As Matthew played on the Cambridge High School basketball team, our family went to many games. The boys always sat behind the players' bench. Watching, listening, and cheering for him. On the car rides to and from the games, the conversation was always about Matthew. His stats, his plays, his dunks. And after every game, the boys wanted to wait and talk to Matthew. I would always tell them he may be busy with his high school friends and college scouts. But guess what? He was never too busy to say a few words to them. Always with a fist pump and smile.
That fateful day our son worried about came sooner than college, when Matthew moved to a private school. It was the right decision for his basketball goals. And even after he moved, our boys still followed Matthew's basketball games, his rankings and his college prospects.
The boys still text Matthew and he always texts back. As a University of North Carolina family, our boys hoped so hard Matthew would go play for the Heels, but...
Today, Matthew announced his commitment to go play basketball at Florida State University. Our kids watched the announcement live with anticipation, while wearing one of those old shirts Matthew autographed all those years ago. And we all couldn't be prouder of the young man he has become. This Carolina family will be buying FSU apparel and wearing it with pride -- watching a childhood hero become an athletic star.
And now Matthew Cleveland is not only their childhood cul-de-sac hero, but a hometown hero to many. Matthew taught our boys more than just basketball, baseball and football skills. He taught them what hard work, determination and commitment looks like. And most importantly, Matthew taught our boys kindness by leading with example.
The future is unstoppable for Matthew Cleveland. His raw athletic talent is undeniable. But, Matthew is more than a college athlete. He is a role model inspiring others to chase their own dreams. #GoNoles!
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