My name is Jordan Griffith. I have loved sports; I have lived sports, my entire life. Sports have taken me around the world, opened doors I never thought were possible, and given me experiences I will cherish forever.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Both of my parents were journalists. They taught me how to see the world from a different perspective, which has helped guide me to the success I’ve had today. I have a very supportive brother, Kyle, who is also a gifted athlete.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was a successful high school athlete, starting at White Plains High School in football and basketball during some of its most successful runs, as well as running track and field. After exploring football and basketball at a host of colleges, I got the opportunity to enter sports journalism. I covered high school sports, announced Westchester Knicks games on television, and hosted podcasts and live events surrounding the NBA, UFC and MLS/NYCFC for about 12 years. Despite the success, I truly missed personally impacting games and decided to put my hat into training and coaching. My coaching search led me to a full time teaching position at Stepinac High School, teaching English/literature and journalism/media. This will be my ninth year teaching at Stepinac. I have now coached basketball, football, track and baseball at several schools around the area, including Stepinac, Greenwich Academy, Scarsdale, Blind Brook and Rye Country Day. I am currently the head varsity basketball coach of Greenwich Academy, the associate head assistant coach with Scarsdale basketball – yes, two teams in the winter -, the offensive coordinator for Blind Brook Varsity football, and the head freshman baseball coach at Scarsdale. I also work for Westchester Country Club in the summer, which has been a phenomenal experience. Time management is key!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Emma’s, Freebird, Lombardo’s, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse and Wolf and Warrior.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since I was nine years old, 25 years!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I think the stories of my 2006-2007 high school basketball teammates are truly incredible. Sean Kilpatrick and Ra’Shad James both still play professional basketball, while Rishawn Johnson played Division 1 hoops in college. Spencer Smith and Jamell Cromartie both played professionally and now still impact the game. Mike Couzens was a role player on our team but is now an incredibly successful sports announcer for college football and college basketball. Our league championship team was something special!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I love to travel. I have been to Portugal, France, Ireland and Italy this year alone. I would love to visit Africa next and go on a safari.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Not big into shows and don’t have a ton of time for movies. Really enjoyed Top Gun: Maverick
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Put in the work! You can be successful at the majority of things in this world by getting reps, but not enough people want to put the work in that is necessary. No matter what it is that you want to do, put in the work to achieve it!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would really love to publish a book.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Dave Matthews Band
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Italian Pavilion was the first place I went for food when I moved to White Plains 25 years ago, always brings back memories!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to go for a bite to eat with Greg Popovich. What he has achieved as a coach is incredible! I would take him to Emma’s and talk his ear off.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
White Plains has such a diverse community with access to NYC, suburban life, and the country side. You can find anything you want here.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Coaching professional basketball.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a very successful chess player in my scholastic years. I didn’t lose a game for seven years at one point. Let’s play!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Madeira, Portugal was just magical, but Yellowstone National Park is my favorite place on earth.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July – love being outside-. Christmas and my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A great round of golf with close friends and a delicious dinner after is a 10 out of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and friends inspire me every day, they are very supportive!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh popcorn
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, support, motivation
