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Athletics Used to Climb Corporate Ladder

Written by Leon B. Crews, FL Sentinel - Monday, 29 September 2008

Thomas (T.J.) Lewis, Jr. had dreams. As a student and basketball star at Gaither High School, he always wanted to be a high achiever and secure a career for himself.

Today, Lewis is Vice President of Global Operations and Supplier Relationship Development with the Bank of America. He supports Bank of America Global Consumer Small Business Banking and Global Commercial Investment Bank, Global Wealth and Investment Management, and Global Product Solutions business lines and strategic sourcing teams.

Lewis said he knew he was going to college because of his success as a basketball player.

“I always thought I’d play basketball, but I didn’t know how I was going to get that done at the next level. I was a first generation college student and had gotten offers from junior colleges and colleges in the area.”

Lewis said it was then he discovered there was another level you needed to reach to get where you need to be.

“For athletes, things are different, especially deciding where you’re going. It can be a very late process.

“Coaches hand out scholarships to the blue chip athletes, but the others think they are good enough to get one as well. They end up being the ones who don’t prepare themselves for a life other than sports.”

Lewis said he owes a lot to Tyrone Keys, founder of All Sports Community Services.

“Tyrone helped me after the season ended and vouched for my character so I could get into college. That means a lot when you’re trying to move on.

“When I was still in high school, I had my sights set on a big school, preferably a historically Black college or university.

“I attended and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications. I always believed I was a pretty good student and I didn’t worry about being an athlete. I even had offers to play overseas, but that didn’t feel right for me.”

Lewis said his career in banking began with an internship with NationsBank.

“That opened the door for me to get where I am now. I returned to All-Sports to help others get scholarships, because of the opportunities I’ve had and can now share with others.”

Lewis said his message to today’s aspiring athletes is to grasp opportunities and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

“The chance to open doors for other is the most rewarding experience anyone can have.”

Lewis currently lives in Columbia, Maryland with his wife, Charmain and their sons, Dillon and Ryan.