Scout Smith, hardwood guru. (Photo courtesy Charlotte Young)
She is the past, present, and future.
Scout Smith, a standout athlete and student during her time at Coupeville High School, is now in charge of two of the Wolf programs for which she once played.
The 2020 CHS grad, who kicked off her second season as Wolf varsity volleyball coach Monday, has been tabbed to permanently take the reins of the girls’ basketball program as well.
Her hire will be official once approved by the Coupeville School Board at its Thursday night meeting.
Smith, who is #41 on the all-time scoring list for Wolf basketball, which launched in 1974, was previously the JV hoops coach at her alma mater.
She filled in last year for varsity coach Megan Richter, who took a season off for maternity leave, then applied for the full-time gig after her predecessor decided to step down earlier this year.
Wondering if the ref has lost their mind. (Jackie Saia photo)
Getting official word she’ll join an exclusive club which includes past Wolf varsity hoops coaches like Phyllis Textor, Willie Smith, Greg Oldham, and David King has Scout in a great mood.
“I am incredibly excited to be back as the Coupeville High School girls’ basketball coach,” she said. “We have a fantastic group of hardworking and talented players who are a privilege to work with.
“This group made tremendous progress last season, particularly in our tenacity defensively and our ability to run the floor offensively,” Smith added.
“I’m excited to see how they continue to grow and build on that progress this season.”
As she transitions into the lead role on a permanent basis, Smith paid homage to those who have helped her.
“I am incredibly grateful to my predecessor, Megan Richter, for the work she has put into the program and how far she has helped bring it.
“I’m also grateful for Brad Sherman, the head of the boys’ program, for sharing the wisdom and knowledge he has gained through nearly 10 years of coaching.
“I look forward to working alongside him as we continue to build a successful and unified basketball program at Coupeville.”
Smith was a dead-eye shooter during her school days. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
After moving to Coupeville while in elementary school, Smith followed in the footsteps of older brothers CJ and Hunter, playing three sports while holding down a captain’s role in all of her activities.
She led Wolf volleyball, basketball, and softball teams to success, helping take the spikers and diamond dandies to state tournament appearances, and was a CHS Athlete of the Year winner as a senior.
After high school graduation, Smith earned degrees from the University of Washington and Gonzaga, then returned to Coupeville where she has worked as a teacher.
She is the fourth member of her immediate family to coach at CHS, joining dad Chris Smith as well as both of her brothers.
Mom is a guru as well, with Charlotte Young having led Central Whidbey Little League softball teams which crushed foes in a never-ending hail of hits.
