Today we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Howard.
Hi Malcolm, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, my name is Malcolm, but everyone knows me as Mac; and I struggle with NOT telling you that “You Trash” lol. I am a Houston native from the Greater Fifth Ward community and the founder of Recess Sports, home of the Shine League Pro-Am Basketball League. A networking platform connecting young athletes to veteran mentors through the game we love.
Being a former Division I athlete for the University of Houston, upon completion, I noticed the transition into life after sports was bit harder than expected. The motivation to stay in shape, the thrill of competition, the sports bonds with teammates. “What am I to do now?” The guys and I would ride around looking for quality runs to try to stay in shape but quickly realized the basketball market in Houston was pretty much basic and watered down a bit.
The competition between the guys that made us all better was slowly drowning, becoming a popularity contest where we saw everyone tearing each other down. There wasn’t anywhere with consistent run. Harmless trash talk on the courts were turning into bad situations both on and off, so we wanted to take the trash talk and convert it into some positive energy. Sports depression is real. For some folks, this is all they believe they have, so we wanted to provide an entity to help alleviate stress all while presenting different viewpoints towards self-improvement.
Growing up, my mom made sure my brothers and I were active in sports, well not only active but actually good. She had the mindset that any moment creates many memories, that you couldn’t really enjoy it and have fun unless you gave it your all. All my friends could tell you she stays on EVERYBODY, not just us, screaming at every little play, laughing, enjoying herself. You could be having the best game of your life and let you mess up one time, all you hear is “Awww, sub him out he trash” haha and we all would laugh. Let’s not even talk about if you are just going through the motions. She would call the timeout herself and say she is going home. “If you not enjoying it how could I, so why not just be the best? You Trash”
My brothers, friends to, we are all tight-knit so we refer to each other as brothers as well, are all competitive. We all hold each other to certain standards, so once I brought the idea to them, well, I pretty much just started and said, “Hey, I started a league we got to run” I knew they would be down. I told them it wouldn’t be the typical league and broke down reiterating it would to mimic our interactions, thus giving birth to Recess Sports and the Shine League. An organization built around promoting social fellowship through a league full of trash talk, laughter, strong bonds, and a high level of competition.
The mentoring aspect is to help each other deter away from relying on reputation and focusing more on building character. A strong sports community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A smooth road? I’m sure I’m definitely not the first person to say definitely not; we are still experiencing bumps till this day. Going into it, we knew the vision, had the game plan set but wasn’t prepared for what it would take to run a successful business. The demand is high and we aren’t able to accommodate everyone looking to be a part of the events. Finding gym space is an entire headache itself as well. No complaints though, we look at it as motivation to into getting our on space.
When we first started, it took a while to finally get all the kinks out to get on track to where we are now. We changed up a few rules, adjusted the prices for the services to maintain stability, established a social media presence, yet it wouldn’t be right to overlook some influential people we lost along the journey. Our mentor, Christopher Harris… one of the most supportive fans in the gym, Keyaira Harris #WeKeyKeyStrong… and Xavier “Obe Noir” Roberson a community leader who made it his goal to help the younger generation through the Long Way Foundation, all while handing out buckets on the side haha. The way the Shine League family continues to come together through hard times takes the focus off the small hiccups, and we know we have something special going.
Each event is getting better and better, with member list growing larger by the day.
My pops told me that reputation only stretches as far as word of mouth, but your character always represents who you are. I love the fact that we all hold each other accountable. I would like to shed light on the folks that helped get us to this point of recognition. Domonique Howard and Roger Nunnery for making sure the operations team functions smoothly, Isadore Wilfred for helping with video and accounting efforts, Aaron Hollins for stats and IT issues, Jarlvous Taylor and Taylor Joyce for apparel design and promo. Special thanks to my mom for stepping in an ALL aspects. Robert Stevenson, Jontrae Howard, Darius Gatson, Damien Heads, Micheana Nunnery for continuous support wherever needed. Also Jerrell McBride, Demarcus Emanuel, Elton Dyer, and Donovan Jack for always being available when we are short-handed. Our intern Faith who recently came on to help with Video Production. (They all trash too by the way lol) Most importantly, the man upstairs himself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Considered one of the biggest movements in Houston, when someone hears “You Trash,” they know it’s out of love and strictly motivation. We are currently looking for sponsors to help us with future projects.
Recess Sports is solely built around the idea of providing outlets to self-improvement through sports interaction with a new city staple, The Shine League. The Shine League Pro-Am is our hottest commodity, not only housing some of the best basketball talents to pass through Houston but introduces an environment where accountability is held highly. Although the Shine is an extremely competitive environment, members are given the opportunity to network with veterans for advice inside/outside of sports.
The goal for this year is to provide more youth outreach programs. We are looking to expand on our Back-to-school drives, Prom Sponsorships, and academic scholarship opportunities. There will also be more community events added to the schedule as well to offer volunteer opportunities as well.
We also provide sports recruitment packages, videography services, graphic design, workouts, and academic tutoring. We are implementing our youth leagues, women’s leagues, and resume-building services as well. In the near future we plan to have some trade skill courses available for those looking to make changes within the job field as well.
The motto you hear throughout all facets of the business is “You Trash”, but one could only understand the true meaning through experiencing the environment; this is what we are most proud of. The idea behind this is to bring out the best in everyone in whatever they are doing. Life itself is a sport. Every day is just practice for the next as we unconsciously compete for something without even knowing. We have members volunteering to help no matter what the cause is for. We push each other for everything with the goal of setting examples for the younger generation. Weight loss, job market advice, the list goes on. We want to hear about all your good news. It feels good to hear from folks excited to be back active. Stress levels are falling and that’s a huge win in our books.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Members of the Shine League family are truly my local podcast haha, we have some really good guys throughout. It feels good to be able to reach out to guys who genuinely support you and offer truly honest advice when needed. You have guys like Michael Williams a guy who we seen make a complete 360 through the program, Chris Fisher and Brandon Morris (both overseas pro athletes), and a really motivational guy by the name of Anthony Vereen (Santa Cruz Warriors Assistant Basketball Coach). Outside of my family, these guys really listen and offer much-needed input.
I also listen to the stories provided on @Redefining_Myself on Instagram ran by Brittany Wallace, also a former UH Cougar. This is a platform that allows athletes to share their story on life after sports.
Other than that, I typically lean towards my family. My pops shoots it to me straight from the business perspective on what to expect and how to keep focused with my head on my shoulders. My mom and grandma show the utmost support making sure it’s being done for the right reasons and something I am truly invested in. My bros for making sure we are all handling our business, I really have a great circle.
Pricing:
- Shine League • Team fee $575 • Free Agent $85 • Recruitment Package $300 o One full game recorded/posted o Full season highlight tape o 1 graphics design cover o Player profile write up o 2 Instagram reels • Single game Highlight tape $65 • Instagram reel $30 • Independent Contractor (Outside source etc camera personnel) $25
- Apparel • Performance Apparel starts at $20 for shirts • Regular tees start at $10 • Shorts $25 / Pants $30 • Hoodies $30 • Nylon Jackets $35
- Course work / tutoring pricing made available per class schedule
- Sponsorship packages available as well
- Open basketball run Tues/Sun 8-10pm $5 ($10 for first visit)
Contact Info:
- Email: mhoward@recsportsinc.com
- Website: www.recsportsinc.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shineleague
- Facebook: facebook.com/recsportsinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZvMGC-avRwdZaNKW8mCgsQ/
