Symiah Smith is not only a counselor but also a dedicated coach for both girls’ basketball and track and field at Blue Springs High School. She currently serves as the assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team and also coaches javelin in track and field, working with both boys and girls. Her passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes is evident in the way she connects with her teams.

This past basketball season, Coach Smith took on the role of junior varsity (JV) coach for the girls’ team. One of her favorite parts of the experience was returning to Blue Springs High—her alma mater—and coaching alongside the very same coach she played under as a student. She also deeply valued the opportunity to get to know the girls on a personal level and build strong, meaningful relationships with them.

However, coaching did come with challenges. One of the toughest parts, she said, was dealing with moments when her instructions weren’t fully clicking for the players. “I felt stuck,” she admitted, describing how difficult it was to repeat herself over and over while still wanting to support and connect with the team. Despite the team’s record not reflecting it, she believed that every individual—and the team as a whole—grew over the course of the season.

Coach Smith hopes her players will continue to listen, apply what they’ve learned, and grow in confidence. For her, the highlight of the season was the final home JV game, where everything seemed to come together. The team executed exactly what they had been practicing—and won the game with a buzzer beater. “That was the icing on the cake,” she said with a smile.

Beyond basketball, Coach Smith is excited about the track and field season, which has recently started. She originally expected just a few athletes to participate, but was pleasantly surprised by a much larger turnout. “More people means more opportunities for the team,” she said. Last year, she had athletes qualify for the state competition, and she’s hopeful for a repeat this season.

When asked whether she prefers coaching basketball or track, Coach Smith didn’t have a favorite—she truly enjoys both. She loves staying busy, pushing athletes to give their best, and supporting them even on their bad days. “I can tell when someone’s having a rough day,” she shared, “but I still encourage them to give what they can.”

Most of all, she treasures the relationships she’s built through coaching. For her, the biggest win isn’t just what happens on the scoreboard—it’s the bonds formed along the way. “The best part was all of us working together,” she said. “Once the girls finally got the hang of things, we ended the season on a great note—and with a buzzer beater win against Lee’s Summit North, a team we beat three times. But honestly, the best part was building those connections.”