Born: 1974
Biography:
Katie Smith (born June 4, 1974) is lead assistant coach for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is the former head coach of the New York Liberty. A retired professional basketball player, Smith’s primary position was shooting guard, although she sometimes played small forward or point guard. She was the all-time leading scorer in women’s professional basketball, having achieved over 7000 points in both her ABL and WNBA career. In 2016, she was voted one of the WNBA Top 20@20. On March 31, 2018, Smith was named to the 2018 class of inductees for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In the same year, Smith was also inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Early Life:
Smith was born in Logan, Ohio, where she spent her formative years. She grew up in a family of student-athletes, with her father, John Jr., playing football at Ohio University (OU), and her younger brother, Tom, earning varsity letters in both football and track and field at Ohio University as well. Her older brother, John, was a member of one of the University of Mount Union football teams that won the NCAA Division III title.
Smith began playing basketball as early as the 5th grade on a boys’ team and developed her skills as a young athlete. Alongside her basketball aspirations, she also took tap dance and ballet lessons as a youngster, showcasing her versatility and talent. Smith’s dedication to sports and her family’s involvement in athletics undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping her future career.
High School Career:
At Logan High School, Smith emerged as a standout basketball player and was named the national Gatorade National Player of the Year during her senior year. Her leadership and skills guided the Lady Chieftains to the Division I Ohio Girls’ Basketball state championship game. Her exceptional performance on the court earned her recognition as a High School All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).
Smith’s talent was further showcased when she participated in the inaugural WBCA High School All-America Game in 1992. During the game, she scored fourteen points and earned the prestigious MVP honors.
College Career:
Smith attended Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio from 1992 to 1996. She made an immediate impact in her freshman year, helping lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten championship and the NCAA title game. Throughout her career at Ohio State, Smith left an indelible mark on the university’s basketball program.
Breaking records and achieving numerous accolades, Smith became an integral part of Ohio State’s success. She broke the Big Ten scoring record for points scored in a career in both men’s and women’s basketball, a testament to her scoring ability and determination. As a senior, she earned two Big Ten Conference Player of the Year awards, receiving recognition both from the conference itself and the Chicago Tribune Silver Basketball award.
Smith graduated from Ohio State in 1996 with a degree in zoology, excelling both on and off the court. Her accomplishments as a Buckeye would not go unnoticed, as she was honored by the university on January 21, 2001, as the first female Buckeye athlete to have her number retired. Additionally, in October of the same year, Smith was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame, solidifying her place in the university’s rich athletic history.
Professional Career:
After her successful college career, Smith transitioned to the professional ranks and had an illustrious career in both the American Basketball League (ABL) and the WNBA. As a shooting guard, Smith showcased her scoring prowess and versatility on the court.
Throughout her career, she accumulated over 7000 points, establishing herself as the all-time leading scorer in women’s professional basketball. Her impact on the game was recognized in 2016 when she was voted one of the WNBA’s Top 20@20, a testament to her standing among the league’s greatest players.
Smith’s contributions to women’s basketball were further recognized when she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. This prestigious honor acknowledged her achievements and the lasting impact she had on the sport. In the same year, Smith was also inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her place among the sport’s pioneers and legends.
Today, Smith continues to make an impact on the game as a coach. Serving as the lead assistant coach for the Minnesota Lynx, she brings her wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to guide and inspire the next generation of players.
Awards:
– Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
– Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2018)
– WNBA Top 20@20 (2016)