Murray State University Athletics
Former Racer Women’s Basketball Coach Dr. Jean Smith Passes Away
5/24/2011 10:33:39 AM | Women's Basketball
In her seven seasons with the Racers she complied a 71-119 overall record and a 23-51 mark again OVC opponents. She coached several of MSU's top players from the 70's and 80's. The list includes four members of the 1,000 Point Club in Laura Lynn (1,735 pts), Jackie Mounts (1,421 pts), Diane Oakley (1,344 pts) and Shawna Smith (1,069 pts). Coach Smith also helped to produce the Racers' first OVC Player of the Year, Karen Hubert Price (1983-84), and 15 All-OVC selections
"We are saddened by the news that the Racer Family has lost a pioneer that helped lead the program into the beginning of Ohio Valley Conference women's basketball play,” said head coach Rob Cross. “Over the years I have spoken with many of her former players and have always been impressed with the impact she had on the lives of those she touched."
Before taking the top position at MSU, Dr. Smith was a professor and the head basketball coach at Longwood College in Virginia. The Racers first OVC Coach of the Year (1980-81) received a bachelor's degree from East Carolina University, a master's from Western Carolina University and her doctorate from UNC Greensboro.
During her tenure with MSU she also earned an accounting degree, which she used to become an account in her hometown of Dunn, N.C., after leaving coaching.
