Hartsville High names new head track and field coach
Toyinda Smith will be the new head coach for girls and boys track and field teams, Hartsville High School (HHS) announced during a press conference Jan. 8.
Smith previously served as co-head coach of the teams and brings years of track and field experience to the Red Foxes.
She attended Purdue University, where she competed in track and field, and won the 1999 NCAA Division I Women’s Indoor National Championship in the 20-pound weight throw. She twice earned All-American honors and five times helped guide the Boilermakers to Big Ten conference championships.
“Coach Smith brings extensive experience as a collegiate student-athlete and seasoned coach to our teams,” said Corey Lewis, HHS principal.
“More importantly, her passion for helping others reach their potential makes us excited about the impact she can have on our student-athletes.”
Smith went on to spend 14 years in leadership capacities at Purdue as well as in coaching at the junior high school, high school and NCAA Division I and II levels. Later, Smith earned induction into the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches and Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Halls of Fame.
“Coach Smith’s knowledge, energy and passion are exactly what our track program needs,” said Jamie Horton, HHS athletics director. “After being the co-head coach last year, she is in the perfect position to make an immediate positive impact.”
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Purdue. She also holds an Associate of Science in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue along with a master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indianan State University.
Smith joined the HHS staff as assistant coach for girls and boys track and field in 2016. As co-head coach in 2017-18, the Red Foxes saw three athletes place in the Top 8 during the state championships.
