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. “I participated in everything I could because it was fun and I enjoyed all of the sports,” Sue recalls. 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 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 the student an opportunity to develop through sport. She assured a top notch program as well as good coaching. In the early years, she realized limited funds for sport 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 sport programs at Hebbville, and many that 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”. Sue says. “The development of sport is enhanced by good leadership and a commitment of athletes. Therefore we need to instill good sportsmanship and development of good role models for the future.”

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. While there have been many challenges over thirty-five years of teaching and coaching, and many hours to volunteer, Sue says she “would not be able to develop the youth in sport and not be able to commit the necessary time and effort without the understanding and support of her husband, Bruce.”

Coaching and teaching were Sue’s life. She, however, found time to participate in softball and basketball at a provincial women’s level. Coach John MacLean says, “Sue practiced the same principles and gave the same commitment that she taught young athletes in school. She always supported the development of the young women on both teams. She was a leader on both teams, a team player all the way.”

In addition to her many coaching responsibilities, Sue helped develop skills of youth at the grade four to six level 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 to give more to sport. Sue set high standards for herself. All athletes under her coaching accepted these standards as their own as they developed through sport.

Bio Courtesy of John MacLean