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| Principia athletics photo |
After serving Principia for four years as the head women's basketball coach, Dory Smith has announced her retirement. The Principia women's basketball program returned last year after a two-year hiatus.
The Panthers have lost 35 consecutive games and are 1-43 since the program's return.
Smith has been a beloved coach to numerous athletes over the years. This year's team all agreed on how much they admired her love for the team, her dedication to the program and the sport of basketball. Madi Leslie added "I'm just very grateful for a coach who was willing to push us all season, but also meet us where we were at with nothing but love."
Smith was also praised by others in the department. "I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside Dory Smith. She is an exemplary coach and athletics administrator," says athletic director Ann Person. "She is dedicated to the game and the students she leads. Even after years of playing a sport and coaching it she never assumed she knew it all. She constantly sought out learning opportunities and mentors and devoted tremendous amounts of time to her preparation to teach. We are grateful for her example and all she has done for Principia over the years." Assistant women's basketball coach Leslie Shelton adds "Not anyone could start up the women's basketball program. But Dory did. The countless hours Dory has put into creating a basketball program is unimaginable. Her dedication and perseverance is admirable and this shows in the teams' love for the game and for each other. Thank you, Dory, for always putting the team above everything else. We have been so blessed to have you guiding the way. "