James A Smith

"Never underestimate your power to positively influence others."

I began at Duke University in 1984 as a member of the baseball team. I graduated in 1988 with a BA in Political Science and History. After graduation I returned home and began a 24-year teaching career. I taught high school History with a focus on American History working up to the AP level in the last few years there. I also gained experience in World History, AP Geography, Law, Current Events, Sociology, and Genocide Studies. I was also instrumental in the development of the school's Honor Code and served on several committees to help develop it, implement it, and adjudicate it. During each of these years I also was a coach in baseball. basketball, and football. I coached at every level from freshman, JV, varsity assistant and head coach in baseball and basketball. As a football assistant I was part of four State Championship teams. In my coaching career I valued the advice and mentorship from the older coaches and I enjoyed attending clinics to improve my craft. Over the years I developed my own style and had success in teaching the fundamentals, mentoring young athletes, and forming meaningful relationships with young men in our programs. After 24 years in the classroom, I moved into school administration as the Athletic Director and Supervisor of Health and Physical Education. I truly enjoyed the role of AD even though the hours were long. I believe very strongly in the educational value of high school athletics for all participants when conducted in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. As AD I improved the social media footprint, created a new and improved school branding campaign, and sought to improve the conditions for our coaches in any way possible. I found new ways to promote and reward student-athlete success, especially for female athletes and teams. One of the best events of my tenure was when we hosted an NCAA Women's Lacrosse game between USC and Ohio State. The stadium was filled to capacity with high school and youth league lax players from all across the state. I did my best to promote each sport as its own entity, unique in its special way in order to honor those who love it most. I also promoted the values of sportsmanship, respect for coaches, opponents, and for officials. I mentored coaches to develop values-based programs that sought to win, but also which sought to teach life-lessons for young men and women.

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