In Memoriam
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Corwith Davis III
Founding Strategic Advisor (In Memoriam)
Corwith Davis III lived a life defined by passion, intellect, and a profound commitment to sustainable community building. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, he attended Hamilton College, graduating in 1999, where he built an enduring friendship with future Smile Sports founder Brian Murphy.
He later earned his JD from Tulane University and stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer of Inglewood Plantation, converting the historic family land into a certified organic farm. As the original strategic advisor to Travelbond, he applied this same visionary focus to the organization’s global framework.
Travelbond started as a conversation in his New Orleans kitchen in April 2012. The day before the first trip to Kenya, Corwith tragically passed away on August 6, 2012, while hiking in North Carolina. To honor his memory, the inaugural U.S. College Travel Team wore black jersey bands and the entire roster wore #1 during their first trip to Kenya. His spirit remains the driving force behind Smile Sports.
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Sarah Onyango Obama
International Advisor, ‘Granny Obama’ (In Memoriam)
Sarah Onyango Obama, affectionately known globally as “Mama Sarah” and remembered warmly by the team as “Granny Obama,” served as a deeply cherished international advisor for the organization’s initial outreach initiatives in East Africa. A world-renowned Kenyan philanthropist and matriarch of the Obama family, she dedicated her life to educating and empowering vulnerable youth through the Mama Sarah Obama Foundation.
During the historic initial trips to Kenya, Granny Obama welcomed founder Brian Murphy and the U.S. College Travel Team into her home in Nyang’oma Kogelo, connecting the team with numerous area orphanages and schools. Though she has passed away, her legacy of compassion continues to guide the organization’s outreach projects.
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Paul Agali Otula
President, Kenya Basketball Federation (In Memoriam)
Paul Agali Otula was a legendary Kenyan educator and sports visionary who served as the long-time President of the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF). He was instrumental in the success of Team Travelbond’s humanitarian mission, personally opening doors across the nation and coordinating with FIBA officials to sanction the team’s international exhibition games.
He was also the celebrated Chief Principal of Maseno School, where he created sports and mentorship programs for young boys, girls, and local orphans. Remembered as a humble, driven, and genuinely amazing leader, his sudden passing left a significant void in the global basketball community.