Coach Profile

Russell Smith has taught Physical Education for over 15-years in Lincolnshire and is now the Head of Sixth Form at Carre’s Grammar School. He holds an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science (First Class Honours) from the University of Lincoln, and a PGCE and a Masters in Education from Loughborough University. Russell was awarded the accolade of Basketball Teacher of the Year in 2019.

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During his degree, he was awarded the Dean’s Academic Prize for best sport scientist and has published his undergraduate dissertation, along with some of his university lecturers. He is working towards completion of his National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL) and is a level 2 qualified coach in Basketball, Football, Swimming and Trampolining, along with being a Level 2 Basketball Floor Official and Level 2 Basketball Table Official. Russell discovered a fascination with basketball, an interest in exploring strategies to support player development and how to get the best out of people in his early 20s.

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In 2011, Russell started to organise the Lincolnshire Schools’ Basketball Leagues, allowing secondary school children to enjoy the opportunity to compete in competitive basketball fixtures. These competitions have paved the way for the County Champions to represent Lincolnshire in the regional knockout rounds in the under-14 and under-16 age groups. In 2023, Russell’s under-16 school team reached the quarter finals of the Dynamic Schools’ National knock-out rounds.

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In 2013, Russell was invited to coach the under-13 boys’ Lincolnshire team, and he has continued to be Head Coach at this age group each year. In June 2023, the Lincolnshire team won three of their four fixtures to finish as runners-up in the inter-counties tournament at the Nottingham Wildcats Arena