Coupeville Sports

A young Hunter Smith waits for the call to serve. (Photo courtesy Charlotte Young)

A new day, and a new direction.

Coupeville High School JV boys’ basketball coach Hunter Smith, who inherited the job when his dad Chris stepped down, has left the gym.

After three successful seasons of teaching X’s and O’s, fire academy, a new career, and an impending marriage to fellow former CHS Athlete of the Year Payton Aparicio are ahead on the schedule.

Hunter closed his run as a Wolf coach Friday, guiding his squad to a 20-point win over Friday Harbor, the team’s seventh-straight victory.

As he quietly slipped into the night, Coupeville varsity hoops coach Brad Sherman delivered the following thoughts:

Can’t thank Hunter enough for all he’s done for the Coupeville boys basketball team these past three seasons.

There is a reason the guys that play for him have so much love and respect for him.

And the example he set every day – high energy, positive, calm, humble – made us a better program, and a better coaching staff.

I know our coaches, players, and families are going to miss having him around!

Really excited for him and all that’s ahead in his new position.

Modern-day Hunter and fiancée Payton Aparicio.