As a student in Musquodoboit, little did Sue Smith know that a career in sport and physical education was to develop from her high school years. Her dedication to sport and youth education through sport was achieved through the direction she chose by being involved in physical education and teaching young people.

She was influenced by many coaches during her college years. She ended up in the Hebbville School because of Dorothy Walker. Years later, Sue received the Dorothy Walker Award for outstanding female contribution in school sports.

Sue’s goal as a physical education teacher was to give students an opportunity to develop through sport. She assured a top-notch program as well as excellent coaching. In the early years, she realized that limited funds for sports and physical education made it necessary to involve other coaches, parents, students, and the administration in raising the dollars for sport development. Her consistent message to the many students who passed through the sports programs and Hebbville, and many of which who have achieved success beyond school, has been, “Go as far as you can  realize the many opportunities that exist in sport beyond high school years  utilize your skills and go for it”.

Many former students say the experience and education received under Sue’s leadership gave them a good start in life. They liked the experience because it was fun and they enjoyed the sport, even though Sue demanded commitment as they achieved both personal and sport development. Coaching and teacher were Sue’s life. She, however, found time to participate in softball and basketball at a provincial women’s level. In addition to her many coaching responsibilities, Sue helped develop the skills of youth at the grade four to six levels through basketball. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia recognized her for her many years of service. She organized many camps for basketball participants. In addition, Sue upgraded her skills on many occasions in order to give more to sport.

Sue set high standards for herself and in turn, all athletes under her coaching accepted these standards as their own.