Michael Lee Nowell, Big Mike, was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on August 21, 1969 to his parents Freddie M. Nowell and the late John Nowell Jr. He was the oldest of his two brother John and Garrett. Mike attended 4 different high schools were he focused on his craft for sports, mainly football and basketball. He graduated from Timothy Christian High School in Piscataway, New Jersey. At Timothy High School he played basketball, lacrosse and soccer. He went on to study at North Eastern Bible College for two years where he played basketball again.
Mike then moved to Georgia and attended Phillip College in Atlanta, where he received his associate’s degree in Business Computer Programming. After Phillips College he attended Clark Atlanta University and received his Science Information Technology degree at Kaplan University. While at Clark Atlanta he earned All-Conference honors three times. He was also the team’s Freshman of the Year and led the team in rebounding in 1990. Michael also had a beautiful daughter Maleeka Joi Nowell-Harris. Then he and his college sweetheart moved to Seattle where he married his lovely wife on August 17, 1996. They then went on to have two handsome sons Jaylen and Shane Nowell.
Mike’s love was coaching basketball, and was described by his mother as a sports 
fanatic. He coached Seattle Rotary Style, Saint Therese, Garfield High School and Seattle University. He was awarded the 2015 volunteer of the year award from Rotary Boys and Girls Club. Mike also earned the Garfield High coach of the year award.
On May 11, 2015, Mike left behind his wife Lalania Nowell(Six), his daughter Maleeka Joi Nowell-Harris (Lil’ Mama) and his two sons Jaylen (Big Tymah) and Shane(Cat Daddy). As well as his mother Freddie Nowell and his two brothers John and Garrett Nowell. He will also be leaving behind a grandson Michael Ce’Darrius Cato Jr. and a host of god children, nieces, nephews and cousins.