Bio

Doris Ruth "Blackie" Smith

Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior/Community College (1972-1992) / Basketball, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball Coach

Doris "Blackie" Smith is one of the most diverse coaches in the college's history. Her thick black hair earned her a lifelong nickname. Her 20 years as a coach earned her a reputation as a teacher and a competitor.

She was hired in 1972 as a basketball assistant coach under Sue Ross. In 1975, she guided both the women's volleyball and tennis teams to state championships as head coach.

Smith would carve out her legacy in the red clay of the women's softball field. Along with winning, her teams also laid the foundation of the college's softball program. Smith's teams won a division title (1988), two state titles (1977 and 1981), two State/Region 23 championships (1984 and 1986) and ranked No. 7 nationally (1986). She was named MAJC and NJCAA's softball Coach of the Year in 1986.

In 1979,Smith's career came full circle when she was named head coach of the women's basketball team. In 1988, her team won the South Division title, and she was selected MAJC Coach of the Year. Smith retired from Gulf Coast in 1992 after more than 250 career wins across all four sports.