Amar’e Stoudemire has graduated from the Miami Dade College School of Justice’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy and is preparing to begin a new career as a police officer with the Miami Dade Schools Police Department.
Miami Dade College announced the milestone on Wednesday, October 14, confirming that the six-time NBA All-Star completed months of training before receiving the Harry “Coach” Everett Award for his contributions to the academy program.
The 43-year-old former NBA forward completed a 10.5-month training program comprising 848 hours of instruction. His graduation ceremony took place at the college’s North Campus, marking a significant transition for a player whose professional basketball career ended in 2016.
“Becoming a police officer was a childhood dream, inspired in part by family members who served in law enforcement,” Miami Dade College said in its announcement, describing Stoudemire’s motivation for pursuing the profession.
Stoudemire will now begin his new role with the Miami Dade Schools Police Department, moving from professional sports into public service.
In addition to completing the academy, Stoudemire received the Harry “Coach” Everett Award in recognition of his contributions to the success of the program throughout his training.
Miami Dade College highlighted the contrast between his accomplishments on the basketball court and his latest milestone.
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His graduation from the academy represents a new professional direction after years in the spotlight as an elite basketball player. According to the college, his goal is to serve the community and provide a positive influence for the next generation.
Stoudemire entered the NBA in 2002 after being selected ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns. He quickly established himself as an explosive offensive player, winning the 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year award after averaging 13.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
He developed into a star in Phoenix, forming a productive partnership with point guard Steve Nash and helping the Suns reach the Western Conference finals three times. Stoudemire later joined the Knicks in 2010, spending several seasons in New York before finishing his NBA career with Dallas and Miami.
His final NBA season came in 2015-16 with the Heat. He subsequently remained involved in basketball through other professional opportunities, including playing in Israel.
