The founder of Run Nova Scotia, a soccer guru, and a school coach who won over 100 regional titles and helped break down barriers for girls in sports, Sue Smith spent her entire teaching and coaching career in Hebbville after being hired in 1968, and made an impact by helping girls at her school grow, change and succeed in sports despite the hurdles placed in front of them.
“Smith faced a number of challenges as a coach of females,” said part of her Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame biography.
“When she began, female teams were only given the gym to practice when the male teams didn’t want it. Susan Smith saw this as unacceptable and fought hard for equality whether it be for gym time, uniforms or any other issue. A lot was expected of her athletes and that showed through with their performances.”
Smith coached her way to more than 100 regional banners and over 20 provincial championships.
She spent most of her time in basketball, cross country and track and field, but also coached soccer, volleyball and badminton.
Smith earned many honours over the years, including the award for Outstanding Contribution in School Sport in Lunenburg County in 1999 and the Dorothy G. Walker Distinguished Service Award in 2004.
LUNENBURG COUNTY SPORT HERITAGE SOCIETY 