# This Story Has a Hook (Actually, a Million of Them) > Source: https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/this-story-has-a-hook-actually-a-million-of-them/ > Updated: 2019-05-28T01:08:34+00:00 > Type: Post > Categories: CLT Creatives | Contributors: Mai-Lis People of CLT, meet Hook Shot Charlie. After a 30+ year in corporate America, he dropped the tie, picked up a basketball and never looked back. Some --- People of CLT, meet Hook Shot Charlie. After a 30+ year in corporate America, he dropped the tie, picked up a basketball and never looked back. Some might say it’s madness! #### **How did a hook shot turn into your legacy?** I began playing basketball games around Charlotte, as well as in Raleigh, when my two children were attending NC State. When I would visit, I would play at all the YMCAs in the area—the students heard about my throws and started calling me Hookshot Charlie. #### **The hook shot is more than a hook shot for you. How so?** After playing in games, I realized what I needed was something more meditative, more peaceful, serene. I started throwing hook shots alone—just me and the ball. And what transpired was a spiritual and mental lift. No arguments. No stress. I then took it further by taking the things out of my life that I didn’t have control of. #### **How many tries does it take for you to make a hook shot?** [One](https://youtu.be/d-Q92IgjW9Q). It’s funny how people who watch me expect me to miss. Others actually hope it takes me more tries! #### **Amazing! How many hook shots have you made to date?** Over 1,000,000 hook shots over seven years! I write every shot down in a journal. #### **Your dedication and discipline are commendable.** Thank you. When [Wilson Basketball](https://www.wilson.com/en-us/explore/basketball/connected) heard about me, they sent me a ball with a chip in it to keep track of my baskets. However, I still use my journal to record all the throws and baskets. #### **How would you describe yourself?** If you want to know who I am, ask someone else. I try to live a life where others only have positive things to say about me. #### **What’s your life vision? Any big goals or dreams?** Inspire. Engage. And live a life that would be pleasing to God. I would love to be the face of a product, reflecting the loyalty and trustworthiness that I have shown to every employer. When I commit, I commit. #### **Where were you working before you were working out on the courts?** Banking, for 23 years! At the time, I loved working. Family was my main responsibility. When I turned 50, I quit. My spiritual world came forward as I put my trust in God. I asked myself, what are you going to learn? #### **So, you went from cubicles to the courts soon afterwards? From what it sounds like, you’ve aged backwards!** [I hit the courts] the very next day! I bought a basketball and headed to the Dowd YMCA and started playing 3-4 hours a day. I’m still on the courts seven days a week. After I quit my job, I did things to push me out of my comfort zone: I became an extra for TV and film and appeared in Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural and a Hallmark Channel movie. It was a nice chance to meet people, to push myself. I feel like a kid again! #### **What were you like when you were a kid?** Shy. Laidback. Very private. I didn’t like any attention on me. #### **Well, that certainly doesn’t describe a hook shot!** The hook shot is a showy shot, but I don’t do it to be showy. I just stopped being afraid. #### **It wasn’t scary to quit your job at age 50?** For the first five years, I didn’t work and you know what, I never worried. I lived by the principle: give to others what I wish to receive. Acknowledge others. Engage more. #### **What event inspired you to connect more intentionally?** My best friend and roommate from my days at Wingate University unexpectedly passed away. Prior to his passing we never had any reunions. That changed. I began getting a group of us together and after four years, the school formed a chapter with Wingate’s President Dr. Rhett Brown’s support. #### **Advice for today’s youth?** I ask kids, “What do you want to do… Then do that and practice, a lot!” After asking this question to a boy, he answered “sleep!” While it’s funny, you never know how he will end up contributing to the world. Maybe he will be a sleep specialist! #### **It sounds like you find fulfillment in encouraging others!** I do! I am a mentor—I use basketball to mentor youth, as well as my peers (I always say it’s never too late). During the summers, I have been involved with camps at the Dowd and Johnston YMCA locations. I mentored my barber’s son in trade for haircuts. But that’s the most I have ever accepted—I want to give back. When I mentor kids, I meet them where they are to guide them vs. forcing them into a place they are not ready for. I used the same approach as a father. #### **What’s your approach towards community issues?** While I can’t affect big government, locally I can get involved to make a difference—like in affordable housing initiatives, transit, and speaking to law enforcement and influencers. And now for the Final Four (sorry, couldn’t help it)… #### **What motivates you to keep putting yourself out there?** With every opportunity, you learn something. For example, after the throwing hook shots during the halftime show at Rocky River High School, I learned to always warm up in another gym beforehand. Preparation is always key… for anything you do. #### **Any halftime shows coming up in March?** I have been invited to Chapel Hill to do a halftime show! #### **Have you ever thrown a hook shot with any big names?** Yes, with Anthony Hamilton (singer, songwriter, producer) at the [NC Music Hall of Fame](https://northcarolinamusichalloffame.org/). He was outside. I said hello. We talked. I threw a hook shot. And the rest is history. #### **Where does it all go down?** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hookshotcharlie/) ### **Watch Hook Shot Charlie in Action!** **![](https://biscuitclt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Mia.jpg)** ### **Still hungry? Take a few more bites.** Dig into more about Mai Lis and People of Charlotte: **[Web](http://www.peopleofclt.com/) | [IG](https://www.instagram.com/peopleofclt/?hl=en)** ### Photo Credit: Blaise Photography