Smith resigns at Burlington Central

Updated: June 8, 2011 8:05PM

Stephanie Smith could think of only one situation that would cause her to leave her position as Burlington Central girls basketball coach.

It occurred a few weeks ago when she learned she’d been named to the graduate assistant coaching position with the Northern Illinois University basketball team. As a result she made her resignation as Rockets coach public record on Wednesday.

“It’s been very bittersweet and it’s not easy to say good-bye to the kids,” said Smith, who met Wednesday with players to tell them.

Smith will join coach Kathi Bennett’s team and assist in many aspects. It will include helping Marsha Frese, the associate head coach who is in charge of recruiting. Her goal one day is to be a head college coach.

“Since Day 1 I’ve always wanted to be a college coach,” the former Hampshire High School and NIU player said. “Ever since I played Division I basketball I wanted to be a part of that.

“I’ve coached eight years in high school and it’s been great. But this is the call that I’ve been waiting for.”

Smith coached two seasons at Central, compiling 17-11 and 11-17 records. She had served as an assistant prior to that at Marian Catholic and for one season at South Elgin. She also coached AAU basketball.

“I feel like we’ve revived the program,” said Smith, the 2000 Courier-News Player of the Year.

Burlington Central athletic director Steve Gertz agreed, saying in a press release that Smith, “... has developed a solid foundation and helped increase the competitive nature in the Central Community.”

At Northern, Smith plans to finish her pursuit of a master’s degree in adult and higher education. She hopes to eventually obtain a doctorate in sports psychology.

The Rockets will look for a new coach now, and Smith said she hopes sophomore coach Jenna Real and freshman coach and varsity assistant Darnell Coleman receive consideration.

“Jenna, she’s been there both my years and was a Division I player and former Central player who understands the game very well,” Smith said. “I remember how I used to beat up on her in high school and it was great being on the same side with her.

“Darnell brings a different dynamic, having played semi-pro ball. He was at all the varsity practices and has a good understanding of the kids.”

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