After finishing a high school athletic career, many athletes retire from their sport or go to college to play at the collegiate level. Most do not think about coming back to high school, as they have moved on from high school athletics. However, former HSE athlete Noah Smith, has returned to high school athletics not as an athlete but as a coach. 

Having graduated from HSE after being a 4-year varsity player on the Boys Basketball team, Smith continued his basketball career at the collegiate level at Indiana Wesleyan University. There, he started on the team for 5 years and was an All-Conference athlete and part of the All-Defensive team. On top of these major accomplishments, Smith also achieved the title of 1000 point scorer during his career, a difficult award to obtain. After finishing his college career, Smith has come back to HSE after receiving an offer from head coach Ashworth to be an assistant coach, wanting to give back to the program.  

“I loved my time here at HSE and after talking with Coach Ashworth and having the opportunity to come back to the school and help the program in any capacity was an opportunity I could not pass up on,” Smith said in an interview.  

With his collegiate and high school experience, Smith plans to create a positive and hardworking environment for his athletes this winter season and wants his athletes to know that hard work is a valuable trait to have and necessary to succeed.  

“I want all athletes to know that it takes hard work to be successful,” Smith said. “You have to push yourself pass your comfort zone and be willing to be held accountable.” 

With this upcoming season, expect to see Coach Smith on the sidelines helping coach the team and supporting his athletes.