Jen Lada

THE GUARDIAN - Michigan State’s Armorion Smith saw his life change in an instant when his mother Gala Gilliam passed away in 2024. Her death led to the defensive back taking on all the responsibilities she left behind - including caring for four of Armorion’s siblings. Over the last year, the 22-year-old has learned to balance the demands of a division one athlete, a student, and a legal guardian - all to honor the memory of his mother.