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 By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

Hampton boys basketball coach Ned Smith was recently recognized at Hampton Elementary for a storied career on the hardwood that has gotten him to 500 wins, perhaps earlier than any other coach in Carter County. It is a remarkable feat, and there is no telling, at just 50 years old, how many more wins may come his way before he lays down the clipboard and hangs up the whistle. It would be easy to allow his win total to be a defining characteristic, but to do that would be equitable to reading half a book and laying it down. To genuinely appreciate what Coach Ned Smith has done, you have to pull back the layers.

His journey starts on the hardwood court of Hampton, going to his high school days in the early 1990s. As their point guard, he was tough, gritty and played with more will to win than most. He led his team to a 1992 Class AA state semifinals game, but coming up short lit a fire in him that still burns today. After high school, Ned’s passion for the game led him to Milligan College, where he refined his knowledge of the game and developed his leadership skills.

He got his first coaching job at Keenburg Elementary and then took over the reins at Cloudland High School in 2001, where he coached for 12 years. At Cloudland, he brought three state tournament berths and multiple regional crowns. In 2013, he took over the reins of his alma mater, Hampton, bringing 12 conference championships, six regional titles and a coveted state title in 2023. He has been TSSAA Coach of the Year and has been inducted into the Carter County Hall of Fame.

But there’s a great deal beyond his win-loss record, and the person Ned Smith is may be more responsible than his immeasurable knowledge. Beyond a growing win total, Coach Smith is growing men and serves as a model of what manhood can be, including a love of community and family. By his side constantly are his wife, Julie; his daughter, Hannah; and two sons, Jackson and Lane, whom he openly gives credit to for his success.

He is a deeply spiritual man who loves the Lord. As a matter of fact, he gets more excited talking about how the Lord has blessed him than X’s and O’s. “We always want to be that role model, going to church, being a Christian and being an example to everyone, including the kids we come in contact with. Some kids don’t have that at home. This life goes by fast, and you have to be ready to go,” Ned shared.

Former player Michael Anspaugh shared what his time with Coach Smith meant: “He has made me a better person. You see him at church every morning. He always makes you feel like a part of his family.”

Ned seeks out a relationship with his players. “I have been blessed with good kids and a great community. Growing up here and taking time to get to know the families and spending time with them is a big part of it. They respect me, and they come to believe we can win,” Ned said.

Another thing that became evident in talking to his former players is that he wants them in church. Coach Smith, who faithfully attends Pearce’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, will provide a way if his players want to go to church.

Wesley Murray, Coach Smith’s JV coach who played for Ned in 2012 and 2013, spoke at length about how Ned’s coaching extends way beyond the court. “He was a hero to me growing up. He teaches valuable life lessons. He was a great father, a great coach and always a great Christian. He was always inviting us to church,” Coach Murray shared.

“If they don’t go to church, I just say, ‘Why don’t you go to church with me?’” Ned shared. “I have been so blessed—a healthy family, so fortunate to win a state championship. I had parents who loved me and took me to church. My dad and uncle (Jack and Tip Smith) taught me a work ethic, being consistent whether playing ball or working on the farm. If you are going to be successful in life, you have to work at it,” Coach Smith exclaimed.

Former player Michael Hyden (2008-2010) shared how Coach Smith’s lessons made him the man he is today. “His knowledge is insane, and he is easy to play for. But you get to know him outside of the game—he taught me my manners and what I bring day to day in life. You don’t give up; you keep pushing through. It’s not just my life but everyone who has played for him. No one is more deserving than Coach Smith.”

Ned also instills in every player a pride in community and in being able to wear the blue and white. “We have great support and a community behind us when we play. Kids love to play before a good crowd. You play hard and work hard and play great defense, and your community will come out to support you,” Coach Smith shared.

Smith’s coaching career has been impacted by Buck Van Huss, Charlie Bayless, John Treadway, Donald Ensor and Jerry White, to name a few. Coach Smith’s journey seems to be pointing him in that direction. But if you think it’s all about the wins with Coach Smith, you are short-sighted. Ned has been successful because he understands that short-term goals only bring short-term satisfaction. His faith, his family and his players have all benefited from his long-term approach.

The best compliment given about Coach Smith was a simple one: “When my kids are with Coach Smith, I never worry about them.”

Coach Smith is building a winning culture by building relationships and by helping his players be the best versions of themselves. He has an eternity perspective, and it flows out of him. Oh, there will be other games and other tournaments, but there isn’t another life!