Ben's Coach

One of the 5 basketball teams that Mitch Smith coaches is the Wildcats.  It consists of players both in 4th and 5th grade.  Ben is fortunate to be a part of this team.  I am grateful every day, that Mitch and his great wife Cindy have taken Ben under their wings, so to speak.  They have allowed Ben to play on their team consisting mainly of kids from NSL, that will most likely attend Woods Cross High School.

Ben has a nervousness about playing basketball at a competitive level.  Mitch pulls him aside, tells him how he used to "throw up" before every game because he was so nervous, easing Ben's reservations.  He always encourages Ben and tells him how great he is, giving him confidence in playing the game.

Watching Mitch coach is a delight.  He doesn't yell at the kids, and gives them encouragement.    Whether they hit or miss their shot, it is always a great shot, and he lets them know.  When teaching them defensive techniques, he doesn't use just words.  One night, after a game against the Vikings he decided to teach the kids a skill.  He put a ball between him and one of the players and wrestled on the floor with the player, teaching them about aggressiveness, and fighting for the ball. The 6 foot 8 coach was down on the floor, battling for the ball with the player, teaching the team a skill. They were in the hallway of a high school, which didn't seem to bother Mitch. The kids will never forget the lesson they learned, and the fun time they had learning it.

When Mitch doesn't agree with a call made by the officials, he usually shrugs his shoulders, or put out his arms in question.  I personally have never seen him yell or demean a ref.

Our team doesn't own fancy uniforms.  They are each given a jersey (similar to the rec jerseys) to play in.  He doesn't believe that fancy apparel qualifies a team. His philosophy is, we will show them by our abilities, not how we look.

Mitch and his wife Cindy have hosted team parties at their home.  With Mitch at the grill, and Cindy busily organizing and preparing the sides, they put on a great feast for the players and their family's.  Cindy is one of the best cooks around.  The desserts at the party look as if she spent the entire day baking.  They were fabulous!

I enjoy sitting in the stands with Mitch's lovely wife Cindy.  What a great team they are, and what a wonderful family they have.  When I saw this article in the Dessert News today, my eyes filled with tears.  Tears of joy, for their beautiful family, and the amazing journey they have been through.