LARRY SMITH AWARD
Ellis “Sonny” Lane Named 2025 Larry Smith Award Winner
Kansas City, MO – As the 2025-26 college basketball season prepares to tip off, Small College Basketball is proud to announce Ellis “Sonny” Lane as the recipient of the 2025 Larry Smith Award. Lane’s influence extended well beyond the basketball court, leaving his mark on the baseball diamond and from the sidelines as a coach. He was not only an exceptional athlete but also a highly impactful leader and mentor. This year’s award will be presented on Friday, October 31st at 7:00 p.m. EST inside Branscomb Auditorium on the campus of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Reflecting on Lane’s selection, Jim Nelson, Athletic Director Emeritus, Suffolk University, shared the following remarks:
"Ellis "Sonny" Lane has provided leadership in so many ways from his High School years as a three sport All Star in Football (quarterback), Baseball (shortstop) and Basketball (high scorer and assist leader) to this present day,” mentioned Nelson. “His collegiate years where he was in fact a classmate of Larry Smith continued his positive effect and impact on all privileged to be in his presence. A lifetime of professional success was to follow as an award winning teacher, coach and Athletic Director. Retirement has not impeded his self motivated desire, ability and accomplishment in honoring and recognizing others of all ages"
The Larry Smith award is presented annually to the person who has used their opportunity through basketball to ultimately change their life, has given back, and has made a difference in our world. Lane is the seventh recipient of the Larry Smith award. The inaugural award in 2017 was given to George Tinsley Sr. In 2018, Charlie Titus was selected, followed by Cylk Cozart in 2019 and Dr. Ronn Johnson in 2022. Charlie Brock earned the 2023 award, followed by Gary Banz in 2024. Lane had this to say about being named this year’s award winner:
"The call from John McCarthy left me emotional and speechless,” stated Lane. “My wife, Paula, needed to finish the call. I am so honored and humbled to be the recipient of the most prestigious Larry Smith Award."
A native of Stoneham, Massachusetts, Lane got his athletic career started at Stoneham High School. Lane was a three – year varsity player on both the basketball and the baseball teams. He also played his senior season on the football team. On the baseball field he batted over .400 in both his junior and senior seasons. On the basketball court, Lane was named a Middlesex League All – Star his junior and senior year. Lane was a top scorer both his final two seasons, along with being the team leader in total assists.
Before his illustrious career at Suffolk University, Lane played amateur baseball. He first played for the Wakefield Merchants, before joining the Hosmer Chiefs. During his time with the Chiefs, Lane led the team to five league championships over six years. In 1961, he was selected as the Suburban Twilight League’s Rookie of the Year before going on to win four consecutive MVP awards from 1962-65.
At Suffolk, he was noted for his lighting speed on the base paths and extreme range of motion in the field. He was a four year starter on the left side of the infield. Along with baseball, he participated in Basketball for one season. Lane was inducted into the Suffolk University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022. Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly had this to say about the Lane:
“Suffolk University could not be more proud of our alumnus, Ellis “Sonny” Lane, as he receives the 2025 Larry Smith Award,” said Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly. “At Suffolk, Sonny was a multisport athlete, known for his standout play on the hardwood and his flawless fielding and lightning speed on the basepaths. And just as Larry was, Sonny has also always been known as a true class act. I couldn’t think of a more appropriate recognition. We congratulate Suffolk Athletics Hall of Famer Sonny Lane as he receives this distinguished award.”
After graduating from Suffolk University, Lane would go on to earn a Masters in Administration from Boston State now UMass Boston. Lane started his high school coaching career in 1965. From 1969 – 1987. He built the basketball program from the ground up. Lane led his teams to 12 championships, including five Middlesex League, three state sectionals, one eastern Massachusetts, and three Christmas tournaments. He finished with a record of 276-111. During his career he averaged 16 wins per season, with only a 20 game schedule.
From 1987 – 2001, Lane was the Athletic Director at Melrose High School. Lane helped build and upgrade the female athletic programs. In 2000, he was named President’s Award of Merit and in 2001, the Athletic Director of the Year. Lane helped create the Melrose Athletic Hall of Fame and organized and instituted coaches education.
Lane is no stranger to receiving accolades. He is a member of the Massachusetts State Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, Wakefield High School Hall of Fame, Stoneham High School Hall of Fame, and New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He also received the Oswald Tower Award for teaching high ethical standards and sportsmanship. Furthermore, Lane was named the Boston Globe Coach of the Year, Massachusetts State Basketball Coach of the Year three times, and the 1987 National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches Award.
For more information on the Larry Smith award or Small College Basketball, please head to smallcollegebasketball.com.
Larry Smith and wife Elaine
Larry Smith is an American success story. Larry grew up poor – very poor – in a suburb of Boston, and got his break through in the game of basketball. Because of his basketball talents, he was afforded the opportunity to attend college at Suffolk University in Boston.
There at Suffolk, he excelled on the court to the point where he was eventually invited to a tryout with the Boston Celtics and was eventually inducted into the Suffolk University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Because of the game of basketball, Larry was able to further his education, which combined with his incredible work ethic, completely changed his life.
After he obtained his degree, Larry and his brother, Michael, started their own insurance business in 1962, which later became Nation Safe Drivers. The company has been an incredible success, and Larry and Michael recently sold the company back to the employees after running the company for 52 years.
Larry Smith is the embodiment of “using the ball”, as he took advantage of his opportunity through basketball, applied the lessons he learned and worked his way out of poverty and ultimately changed his life.
Because of his wild success, he has changed the lives of his children, grandchildren and generations of his family to come.
The Larry Smith Award will be given annually to the person who has used their opportunity through basketball to ultimately change their life, has given back and has made a difference in our world.
Through Small College Basketball, Larry Smith will contribute $5,000 back to a men's basketball player in need at the alma mater of the winner of the Larry Smith Award.
This is a significant national award, and we encourage you to nominate worthy candidates that have used the game of basketball - and the lessons learned from coaches, teachers and the game itself - to change their life, and ultimately to give back and change the lives of others.
APPLY FOR THE LARRY SMITH AWARD - Nominations due March 1 annually, please click here.
