Ernie Smith's illustrious career as a coach at Lipscomb Academy spanned over 38 years, marking him as a significant figure in high school sports within Tennessee. Born on January 21, 1951, Smith dedicated his life to nurturing young athletes, a commitment that led to his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2015. As the head coach for both baseball and girls’ basketball, his achievements have set remarkable benchmarks in high school sports history.

In his tenure, Smith amassed an impressive record of over 860 career wins in baseball. His leadership proved instrumental in guiding the baseball teams to clinch district championships 28 times and region titles 18 times. The fruits of his labor were most evident when his teams made 16 appearances in the TSSAA State Baseball tournament, capturing seven state championships and finishing as runners-up twice. Such achievements underscored his ability to develop competitive teams consistently.

His prowess was not limited to baseball; Smith also excelled as a girls’ basketball coach, securing over 870 career wins. Under his guidance, the girls' basketball teams made eleven appearances at the TSSAA State Basketball tournament and were crowned state champions in 1986. His success in both arenas demonstrated his versatility and deep understanding of high school athletics.

Smith's contributions to sports at Lipscomb Academy and within the TSSAA were widely recognized. He was a recipient of the TSSAA Distinguished Service Award, highlighting his dedication and service beyond winning games. His excellence in coaching was acknowledged on a national level too, with recognitions such as the National Federation of State High School Associations Coach of the Year in baseball. Furthermore, Smith's inclusion in the Lipscomb University Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame solidified his legacy as one of the most celebrated coaches in Tennessee.

In every respect, Ernie Smith's career was a testament to his hard work, passion for sports, and unwavering commitment to mentoring young athletes. His induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2015 was a fitting tribute to a coach whose life's work significantly impacted high school athletics in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2015
Category: Coach