Mobile, Alabama native and Southern University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) graduate Daryl “Coach D.” Battles said he found his purpose in life at a young age — serving young people and families. “I was blessed to have a 14-year professional basketball career, which carried me from the NBA and throughout the world,” said the Solid Source Realty agent. In 1985, Battles found his calling through volunteer work with the National Youth Sports Program.
“During each off season, I continued to work with kids in various sports camps, but I always felt something was missing,” he said, adding that none of the programs he found addressed the “whole student athlete,” including the mind, body and spirit. “So I created Camp of Champions, Inc. in January of 1999 that would be more than just a sports camp. It would be a program where kids could be mentored, fed a hot meal daily, tutored, given life skills training, provided a daily devotional reading, coached in basketball and most importantly given an opportunity to know Christ for themselves,” Battles said.
That spirit of service followed Battles to Solid Source Realty, he said. When he joined the Solid Source Realty family nearly 15 years ago, he knew it was a place I could call home, he said. “Since that very first day, I have been trying to live up to our leaders’ tremendous passion for serving others! I will continue to serve in a way that will never block my blessings,” he said. “I want to thank (Solid Source Realty CEO) Michele Velcheck for always believing in me and for leading by example. I give thanks for all of my clients, friends and those people who found me deserving enough of this Charitable Service Award.”
“I saved the best for last and give a special thanks to my mom, Ms. Corrie Battles! I’m 6’6″ and 250 lbs., but she has shown me the true meaning of strength! My mother has battled cancer over the past three years, and on July 22, 2020, she rang the bell in celebration of being cancer-free for the second time! She is where I got my strength to serve! Thank you, mom. This charitable service award is in your honor. I also thank the Atlanta Agent Magazine for this award!”
Runners up:
- Sarah Chatel (Ansley Atlanta Real Estate)
- Lynne Dale (PalmerHouse Properties)