Gabrielle Smith named the 11th girls basketball coach at Kokomo

Kokomo High School is looking to its past to lead the future of the Lady Wildkats basketball program.

On May 4, former player and 2015 Kokomo graduate Gabrielle Smith was named the 11th head coach in the historic programs 52-year history.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gabby Smith back to the Lady Kat basketball program,” said Athletic Director Nick Sale. “As a proud alumna and former player, Gabby brings a deep passion for both the program and the community, making her an outstanding choice to lead our team. Her experience as both a player and coach in the North Central Conference further strengthens our
excitement about the future of Lady Kat basketball under her leadership.”
Smith returns to the Wildkats after coaching fellow NCC member Richmond the last two seasons.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to come back home to Kokomo and lead a program that means so much to me,” said Smith. “This community helped shape who I am, so the opportunity to give back and pour into the next generation is truly special.”
KHS Principal Angela Blessing joined Sale in praising the return of Smith to the Lady Kats program, while also pointing to her outstanding teaching abilities.
“We are excited to welcome former Lady Kat Gabby Smith back home as our head Kat,” said Blessing. “Gabby stood out in the interview process with basketball knowledge and her love of Lady Kats basketball. She is also an outstanding teacher who will make a strong impact in the classroom.”
Smith played 42 games as a Lady Wildkat, scoring 257 points and grabbing 185 rebounds. An all-NCC performer, she was fifth in the conference in steals and eighth in assists her senior season.
After high school, she attended Indiana State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a master’s degree in physical education. While at ISU, she served as a recruiting coordinator assistant before spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Rose Hulman. After one season as an assistant coach at Park Tudor High School, she moved to the head coaching position at Richmond. Last season, her Red Devils defeated Kokomo 45-41. In two seasons, Smith’s squads were 16-30 for a program that has not had a winning campaign since 2014-15.
“I am excited about the future of this program,” Smith said. “My vision is to build a culture of discipline, toughness and unity, where our players are developed with purpose and held to a high standard every single day. We are going to be intentional about building something that lasts – on the court, in the classroom and in the community. I truly believe the best is ahead for Kokomo girls basketball.”
Smith and the three-time state champion Kokomo Lady Wildkats begin its 53rd season in November and are nine wins away from the program’s 750th all-time victory.