3 generations
generations of high school volleyball
By Jacob Pratt
Southwestern head volleyball coach Mitzi Jones has made it to two straight region title contests during her time at the helm of the program . The legacy of her family in the volleyball sphere is immense and continues to grow , with now three generations impacting the game in this area of the Commonwealth .
Mitzi ’ s parents , Larry and Kaye Smith , were fantastic softball coaches in their time , leading the transition from slowpitch to fast-pitch and notching over 500 wins in their coaching careers . They also started the first volleyball team in Laurel County and led the program to two Elite Eight finishes and a perfect season as well . Jones credits her time growing up watching her parents coach as a big influence on her .
“ Growing up in a household of coaches really helped shape me into who I am today . Some of my most memorable experiences growing up revolve around sports in some shape or form . My family was always at a softball field somewhere and I always watched my mom and dad play up until I was old enough to play with them . Dad coached our church league team that mom and I played on . My fondest memories of that time are the team / family atmosphere that surrounded
12 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky august 2023