Paul Goldsmith arrived at Elizabeth City State three years ago as a transfer from Lenoir-Rhyne with little fanfare and a lot to prove. Ever since, the 6-foot-6 forward has become the glue to the Vikings, on and off the court.

Now a senior and approaching the end of his ECSU career, Goldsmith is on schedule to graduate in May with a degree in sports management and is a finalist for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Division Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award.

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While his play on the court has helped the Vikings win several games over the past three years, coach Shawn Walker holds Goldsmith up as an example for what a student-athlete should be.

“Paul is one of the staples of this program the last three years. He’s the greatest kid ever,” Walker said. “He’s gone from supposedly having some academic problems to graduating with honors. He’s just going be a real ambassador for our program as he moves on and graduates. He’s a better person than he is a basketball player and he’s a pretty good basketball player.”

Goldsmith says he was a little shocked when he was selected to be a nominee for the prestigious Lowe’s Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) Award, which honors the attributes of senior student-athletes in four areas — classroom, community, character and competition.

“Being recognized in the CIAA is a big honor. It doesn’t matter what it’s for. I’m just happy to have my name out there,” said Goldsmith. “(ECSU Sports Information Director April Emory) approached me about this. I felt like all the seniors on this team could go for this award because we all do outstanding work on and off the court. I was honored that she picked me.”

Goldsmith has earned the nomination. In 95 career games, including 21 at Lenoir-Rhyne, Goldsmith has scored 730 points and pulled down 456 rebounds and is a two-time team captain.

He has a 3.3 grade point average and spends time visiting local elementary schools, teaching the game of basketball as well as stressing the importance of being a good student. Goldsmith also donates his old clothes and shoes to charity.

“If he gets this award, to me it surpasses all the All-Conference because it shows you can be a good person and good athlete and go to class and do well all at the same time,” Walker said.

Goldsmith transferred to ECSU in 2009 after a rocky season at Lenoir-Rhyne. Goldmsith struggled in the class room and off the court and “didn’t make the right decisions” there. Ultimately he was dismissed from the team. That began a transformation in Goldsmith.

“I realized that basketball could be taken away from me like that and I learned I needed something to fall back on and I had to stay focused on my bookwork and grow up,” he said.

Goldmsmith looked at several schools and felt most comfortable at ECSU.

“I called around every where,” Goldsmith said. “I was surprised to come here because all the other coaches were like, ‘I need to see you work out’ or had problems with my grades. I came over here on Christmas break and practiced with them one time and (coach Walker) said, ‘You’re welcome here.’ It was a blessing.”

Tonight, Goldsmith will play his final home game in a Vikings uniform, joining fellow seniors Marquie Cooke, Lawrence Williams and C.J. Wright.

“I’ve had a great three years here,” Goldsmith said. “I’m not going to say I’m going to be emotional, but I’m going to miss it.”