Jason Smith is in his first season as the women’s basketball head coach at NAIA Tennessee Wesleyan University. He previously served as the head women’s coach at Peru State during the 2023-2024 season and Cedarville University from 2021-2023.

Prior to Cedarville Smith had a ten-year run as the women’s head coach at Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn. He produced an impressive resume at Bryan where he is the school’s all-time winningest coach. Smith guided the Lions to an overall record of 219-85 including a 157-49 slate in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. His teams claimed five regular season titles, four league tournament crowns, and made six appearances in the NAIA Division II National Tournament. Following his final season, Smith earned his third consecutive AAC Coach of the Year honor after his team posted a remarkable 78-7 record during that timespan featuring a perfect 64-0 conference mark. He produced nine consecutive winning campaigns.

Jason previously served as the head men’s basketball coach at both Calvary Bible College and San Diego Christian College. As an undergraduate at Kansas he was a varsity manager and film technician for Head Coach Roy Williams.

On this episode Mike & Jason discuss the importance of self-awareness and accountability in player development. Jason emphasizes that players often already know what they need to improve upon but may struggle to articulate it or take ownership of their performance. Smith reflects on the challenges coaches face when trying to instill a strong work ethic and a winning mentality in their teams, particularly in an era where instant gratification is prevalent. He shares insights from his coaching journey, including the need to foster a culture of love and acceptance within the team, allowing players to feel valued regardless of their role. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust and encouraging open communication between coaches and players to help them navigate their growth on and off the court.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Website - https://www.twbulldogs.com/sports/wbkb/index

Email - [email protected]

Twitter - @TWUWBB

Visit our Sponsors!

Dr. Dish Basketball

Our friends at Dr. Dish Basketball are doing things a little differently this month with $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish Rebel+, $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish All-Stat+, AND $3,000 Off the Dr. Dish CT+ during their first ever Semi-Annual Sales Event. Shop now and have your team more ready for the upcoming season than ever before.

GameChanger

Introducing GameChanger, a free app that provides you with data to make strategic coaching decisions and to deliver memorable moments to your team and its fans. Engage your players, empower your coaching decisions, and give parents the thrill of watching every play unfold in real time this season. Download GameChanger now on iOS or Android. GameChanger equips your team with the tools they need to succeed. Download it today and make this season one for the books. GameChanger. Stream. Score. Connect. Learn more at gc.com/hoopheads.

Get automated highlight clips for all scoring plays as well as rebounds, steals, assists, and more. Plus free live streaming, advanced scorekeeping, and team management.

The Coaching Portfolio

Your first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job.  A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.

Playmaker Planner

Playmaker Planner is looking for forward thinking program directors and athletic directors...

If that's you... Playmaker Planner will lessen your workload while doubling the efficiency, confidence, and ability of your student-athletes over the next 12 months!

If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/support

Twitter/X

Podcast - @hoopheadspod

Mike - @hdstarthoops

Jason - @jsunkle

Instagram

@hoopheadspod

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ