Martha “Bama” Smith

2018 Inductee

When one thinks of the qualities of dedication, devotion, humility, and selfless service, one need not look much further than Mrs. Martha “Bama” Smith for a prime example. A devoted wife, mother, teacher, and coach, Mrs. Smith’s legacy permeates throughout Chattanooga Valley and Ridgeland.

Mrs. Smith served as a teacher and coach at Chattanooga Valley High School and Middle School from 1971 until her retirement in 2002. Her tenure as a teacher and coach was briefly, albeit voluntarily, interrupted on two occasions so that she could devote time to her children, Jason Smith, Jennifer Hisey, and Marc Smith (each of whom would go on to be involved in multiple sports prior to their graduations in 1991, 1992, and 1999, respectively). During her three decades of active teaching and coaching, she coached cheerleading, golf, basketball, tennis, and was the wrestling scorekeeper (though she almost certainly would have, and could have, coached wrestling had the opportunity presented itself). She started the softball program at Chattanooga Valley Middle School, and the very first softball program at Chattanooga Valley High School, ultimately leading her softball team to 5 region championships and the State Championship in 1988.

The husband and wife team of Coach Jay Smith and Coach “Bama” Smith is one of the great coaching-teaching “power couples” in Walker County history (you will certainly recall that Coach Jay Smith served Ridgeland as Baseball coach, JV basketball coach, and Athletic Director—his legacy is still visible…our baseball stadium is named in honor of Coach Jay Smith and his family). From the monumental to the mundane, Mrs. “Bama” Smith supported Ridgeland with tireless devotion, serving for years as the statistician for the boys’ basketball team, scorekeeper for the baseball team, and concession stand operator. The baseball team even relied on her to keep the boys’ uniform looking nice and clean (for those who’ve played or coached baseball, or have had children play baseball or softball…you know that is not small feat).

-2018, Rob Stinson