Don Smith passed away at the age of 83 in Montana
Don Smith’s Basketball Breakthrough
In 1985, the Brevard Community College men’s basketball scene was a flat‑lined lake—no bright prospects on the horizon. Then came Don Smith, a coach with a spark in his eyes and a game plan that was basically a masterclass in turning anything around.
First Season, Big Impact
Within weeks of stepping onto the job, Smith’s team hit the court with a new rhythm. The record? 21 wins—that’s like flipping a coin and getting heads all the time!
- No more “average” seasons.
- Players suddenly felt a sense of purpose.
- The whole campus buzzed with excitement.
Why the Uplift?
Smith didn’t just coach; he inspired. His approach was a blend of tough love, clever tactics, and a touch of humor that kept the squad squared‑up. It turns out a good laugh can be as valuable as a great play strategy.
Legacy in a Snap
The video that surfaced in 2020 shows Coach Smith in the moment when a freshman slam‑dunked his first championship point. That clip was more than a highlight—it was a declaration that nothing less than courage, ingenuity, and a sprinkle of comedic timing could write a new chapter in Brevard’s basketball saga.
Coach Don Smith’s Hall‑of‑Fame Moment
Imagine the smell of pine‑soaked stadiums, the roar of a crowd that’s been cheering your every dribble and dive for years, and then, in the flash of a spotlight, Coach Don Smith takes the stage for an acceptance speech that feels like a warm hug.
What He Said (Straight from the Heart)
First off, gratitude drips like sunscreen on a Florida afternoon:
- “Thanks to my kids, who survived my dad jokes and still kept cool on game day.”
- “Shout‑out to the Space Coast fans—your cheers made every lay‑up feel like a home run.”
- “A high‑five to my coaching crew, whose late‑night workouts turned into lifelong friendships.”
He wove humor with humility, joking that his biggest coaching lesson was the art of making pancakes for the team’s morale after a tough loss—because yes, sometimes the best play is a soggy stack with a smile.
Emotional beats hit hard, too:
- “I’ll never forget the first time I stood on this track where a young kid ran into my heart on the cannon.”
- “This Hall of Fame isn’t mine—it’s a collective milestone for every heart that’s been part of Space Coast’s sporting story.”
Key Takeaways
- Resilience. Dude found that a coach’s job is not just about the playbook but about sticking through bad weather.
- Community. He credited local fans, schools, and the bone‑deep spirit of the Space Coast.
- Humor. A good laugh can keep you alive, especially after a long season.
In a nutshell, Coach Don Smith’s speech was a mix of laughter, love, and a broad wink to the telling future champions—reminding us all that greatness grows from down‑to‑earth roots and a little bit of sunshine.
Don Smith: A Basketball Legend Who Left an Irreplaceable Legacy
In a quiet Montana town, the legendary former head coach of EASTERN FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE (formerly Brevard Community College) Don Smith passed away at the age of 83. While the world mourns his loss, his impact on college hoops and the local community remains unforgettable.
Coaching Career Highlights
- Coached for 14 seasons at BCC, amassing 288 victories
- Guided the team to two State Championships
- Led the Panthers to the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament (1999‑2000), finishing with a 1‑2 record
- Earned State Coach of the Year honors twice
- Seven seasons with 20+ wins, concluding with a .610 winning percentage (averaging 19.2 wins per season)
Accolades & Roles Beyond the Court
- Inducted into the Florida College System Activities Association Hall of Fame (1996)
- Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee (2020)
- Served as Athletic Director; steered Brevard community sports away from collapse
- Facilitated the arrival of National AAU Basketball to Florida’s Space Coast
Coaching Roots and Legacy
Hailing from Indiana, Don had a rich coaching résumé before his tenure at Brevard, including 12 seasons at the University of New Orleans and two years as an assistant with Georgia Southern (1971‑1973).
Words from the Community
Tom Wasdin, a well‑known entrepreneur, former Jacksonville University coach, and fellow Hall‑of‑Famer, shared:
“Coach Don Smith was the finest basketball mentor I have ever seen in Brevard. I’ve watched all of them and none matched his expertise.”
“His role in bringing National AAU basketball to our coast is a game‑changer. As athletic director he kept BCC’s entire sports program alive. I even shared a beach moment with him during Junior College State and National tournaments. Truly a gentleman and a steadfast friend.”
Family Remaining
Don leaves behind his dear wife Vera Smith, and three children: Brennen Smith (North Carolina), Rebecca Fortier (Washington), and Everett Fortier (Florida).
While his days on the court may have ended, his spirit continues to inspire aspiring coaches, athletes, and fans alike. His story reminds us that dedication, passion, and a little love for the game can shape generations.
Don Smith: Bouncing Back the Brevard 1985
When Don Smith stepped onto the campus in 1985 as the new boys’ basketball coach, it felt like he’d been handed a broken bat and told to win a championship. He flipped the script in his very first season, handing out 21 victories – frankly, more than most of the starting line‑ups could handle.
The Winning Season Train
- First year: 21 wins – a solid start that put the team back in the conversation.
- Second year: 28 wins + a state championship – a recipe that couched the campus in bragging rights.
- Winner of the State Coach of the Year award – proof that his coaching chops weren’t just a fluke.
A Tale of Two Titles
That state title turned out to be the launching pad for two state championships under Smith’s guidance. The first was a sweet spring win that left everyone celebrating; the second solidified his legacy as the man who made the Smugglers stride with confidence.
The Coach’s Secret Sauce
Smith wasn’t just about points on the board; he sparked a team culture that felt like a well‑timed joke – the kind that keeps everyone laughing while they’re still shooting hoops.
From Salt Shakers to Championship Powerhouses
Beat the Odds – Smith’s First Season
When Mike Smith stepped in at Brevard Community College in 1985, the program felt like a kitchen with no recipes. He flipped the script in no time, ending the season with an impressive 21 wins. It was a strong start that set the tone for the years to follow.
Championship Momentum and Coach of the Year
- Second season: 28 wins and a state title that left everyone asking, “Where did that coach go?”
- Named State Coach of the Year – a title that only a few can boast.
Century of Wins – The Hall of Fame Journey
Smith’s career at Brevard is a record book story: 288 victories, the second‑highest in the school’s history. A win‑ratio of .610 and an average of 19.2 wins per season mean he didn’t just toss the ball; he conquered the court.
In 2020, he shared his Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame honor with a heartfelt video address:
“To be inducted into this Hall of Fame is the ultimate honor for any coach,” Smith said. “I share this honor with my assistant coaches and the many wonderful players that I have had the pleasure to coach here and throughout my career.”
Final Chapter – A Record‑Breaking Season
In his last season, Smith lifted the program to new heights with a program‑record 29 wins and a second state tournament championship (1999‑2000). The squad broke through to the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament for the first time since 1979, finishing a respectable 1‑2 record.
Beyond Basketball – Administrative Excellence
- Named State Coach of the Year twice during his 14‑season tenure.
- Coached seven seasons with 20+ wins.
- Served as athletic director and steered the women’s basketball program to a state tournament berth while in Melbourne.
The Broader Horizon – Past Roles
Before Brevard, Smith spent a solid 12 seasons at the University of New Orleans, finishing as head men’s coach and assistant athletic director. He also cut his teeth as an assistant at Georgia Southern from 1971 to 1973.
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