Taking in the atmosphere of the Upper Kovler Gymnasium, where he once dribbled up and down the courts, Xavier Smith, a Class of 2016 alumnus, experienced a full-circle moment. He was stepping onto the court again, but this time with a new purpose: to coach.
Known affectionately as “Coach X” by students, Mr. Smith is a comforting and empowering figure in his basketball players’ lives.
Mr. Smith played two years on U-High’s varsity basketball team and was named ISL All-Conference First Team in his senior year. He returned to Lab in 2022, joining the Information Services department as a technician. That fall, U-High athletics director David Ribbens approached Mr. Smith with an offer: the role of JV basketball assistant coach. When asked if he was interested, Mr. Smith accepted warmly.
“I would love to give back to the community that poured its heart into me,” Mr. Smith said to him.
Mr. Smith said he feels his experience at Lab allows him to see himself in his players, especially when it comes to balancing schoolwork and sports.
“I understand the community and the culture at Lab, so it was a no-brainer for me to come back,” Mr. Smith said. “I know what they need to learn if they really want to be a student athlete: how to prioritize what they need to do and just make sure they stay on track.”
Mr. Smith said many of the lessons he expresses to players stem from his own experiences.
“I was one of those goofy players that didn’t really take anything serious, and that harmed me when I got suspended from the team for a little bit,” Mr. Smith said. “But I see the other side as a coach now, and I know how to handle a player like myself.”
Senior Noah Runesha, who was double-rostered on both JV and varsity in the 2022-23 season, said Mr. Smith’s care for his players is evident through his actions.
“Because he is so close with everyone, he understands our individual strengths and weaknesses, allowing him to coach us in a special way,” Noah said. “It creates a sense of loyalty and trust, because we know he genuinely cares about our success, both as players and as people.”
In one JV practice last season, sophomore Tristan Hamilton was being hard on himself, but Coach X pulled him aside and helped him get out of his own head. Tristan said Mr. Smith has been a mentor to him.
“I think it’s important for a coach to be close to his players because when you’re a part of an athletic team it’s supposed to feel like a family,” Tristan said. “Coach X brings that family aspect to Lab basketball and is like a big brother figure to us.”
Mr. Smith said he enjoys keeping an informal line of communication with his players, so he keeps his office door open all the time.
“When I’m in my office, they come down to talk about everything,” Mr. Smith said. “Grades, music, family, relationships, friendships: I’m always there for them.”
Senior Joonsung Kim said he appreciates how Mr. Smith supports him both in and out of basketball. When Joonsung needed help improving his game, Mr. Smith individually coached him on weekends, even driving him to the workouts. And when Joonsung simply wanted help choosing a cologne to wear, Mr. Smith sat and tested almost 50 samplers with him in his office.
Noah, now a varsity team captain, said Mr. Smith has imparted lessons that will stick.
“Under Coach X, I learned the value of hard work, camaraderie, and respect for others,” Noah said. “He’s shown me that true leadership on the court means lifting others up and taking accountability in all aspects of the game.”
As many players from his earliest days of coaching enter their last season at U-High, Mr. Smith said he feels excited to see what their future holds in store.
“I’ve seen them grow to who they are now,” Mr. Smith said. “It brings me joy to see them transition to a young adult and go off to college. It’s heartwarming.”
