CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville Academy athletics announced in a press release on Wednesday, July 3, that former Austin Peay State University men’s basketball guard, DeeDee Smith, is set to become the new boys’ basketball head coach for the 2024-25 season.
“I am unbelievably lucky to be allowed to coach this team,” Smith said. “I have watched and learned a lot from former coaches and colleagues, and I truly believe this is my time to take the lead. We have an excellent coaching staff poised to take our team to the next level. Everything has led to this moment, and I’m excited to see where it takes us!”
Smith, a Clarksville native, graduated from Kenwood High School where he averaged 22 points, 8 assists, six rebounds and 3 steals per game during his senior season under head coach John Stigall, according to APSU Athletics. Other career achievements included being selected in the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee All-Star game, named to the All-District 10-AAA team, as well as being a McDonald’s All-American nominee. Smith also scored more than 1,000 career points with the Knights.
Following his high school career, Smith attended Lipscomb University for two years, before deciding to transfer to Vincennes Community College. Then, after one season with Vincennes, Smith reentered the transfer portal where he ultimately finished his career with APSU from 2013-15. At Austin Peay, Smith averaged 6.3 points, 4.4 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Smith has worked for Clarksville Academy since 2020, working with the middle school boys’ basketball team, and he has served as a full-time physical education instructor, alongside girls’ basketball coach Charles Clark.
With only losing one starter to graduation, the Cougars will look to have yet another successful season. Clarksville Academy boys’ basketball will be led by Trae Rideau, who averaged over 20 points per game and earned both all-county and all-state honors.
Christian Brown contributed to this article.