Lobo Women’s Basketball Coach E. J. Smith was presented with the Academic Excellence in Coaching Award for 2022-2023 on Nov. 29.

The award was established to recognize coaches who make outstanding efforts to support the academic success of student-athletes. Nominations come from students, faculty, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Student Government Association. The final decision is made by the SRSU Faculty Assembly.

“Although a new contributor to the Lobo family, Coach Smith is a blazing star of light for this university and the Alpine community,” wrote one nominator. “She stepped onto campus with a bundle of love for her players, peers and students at Sul Ross. This love is reflected by the increase in overwhelming support by the Alpine community and students. It is challenging to advertise the rigor and exceptionalism of women’s athletics, but people are willing to support our team because she is a beacon that allows everyone to swarm around her and her intention for her team.She has improved our basketball team both on and off the court. With additional study hall hours, even for those who have good grades, she has shown our team that she cares about more than just success on the court. From improving our language and maturity skills to embracing ourselves as respectable young ladies, Coach Smith has inspired improvement from every person who was willing to play under her.”

Another wrote, “As a student-athlete, maintaining schoolwork is not an easy task. Coach Smith has had an influence on my academic performance. At the beginning of the year, she required 10 hours of study hall a week. If we were not in class or the gym, then we would be in the study hall doing homework or studying. With this, I was able to maintain a high GPA. In Coach Smith’s eyes, the student comes before the athlete part. She wants every athlete to gain a degree because nobody can take that from you. She walks around campus to ensure the women’s basketball team is in class early. She talks to every professor and gains feedback on how each student is doing in class. She watches everybody’s grades and pushes everybody to keep straight A’s. Since she does that, I have gained the privilege of many scholarships and awards because of my academic success. I could not have been that successful if Coach Smith did not push the academic side more than the athletic side.”

Smith was presented with a plaque by the SRSU Faculty Assembly President, Dr. Eric Busby, at a ceremony in the President’s Conference Room.

In addition to Smith, 2022-2023 nominees included Head Football Coach Barry Derickson, Head Rodeo Coach C.J. Aragon and former Assistant Volleyball and Softball Coach Kailee Wilkins.

Past winners include Troy Canaba, Bobby Mesker, C. J. Aragon, Antuan Washington, Katie Novak and Rachel Baity.

Photo: Coach E.J. Smith was presented the award by the SRSU Faculty Assembly President, Dr. Eric Busby.