Mickey Smith
ARP- All you Arp Tiger volleyball diehards…..Dig this!
The Arp Tigers volleyball team has a new head coach in hiring an East Texas Volleyball fixture, Cristy Smith.
Coach Smith brings a strong list of experience, and a deep desire to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
“I’m excited to build on the foundation that’s already been laid by the coaches before me here at Arp ISD,” Smith said about her new challenge on the high school level adding, “it’s exciting to be a part of a program with so much potential, and my goal is to keep growing it, while helping create a strong, lasting volleyball culture that our athletes and community can be proud of.”
Smith first came to East Texas from River Road High School, in far north Amarillo to attend and play volleyball for four years at UT-Tyler.
While earning her degree in Health Sciences, Smith opted to throw the discus and shot-put for the Lady Patriots track squad from 2007-08.
Immediately after graduation, Coach Smith coached at Kings Academy in Tyler, from 2010-12, leading the team to a first place finish in TCAL 1A-Region 2.
Smith then took a sabbatical from the court and classroom to become a Mom, and work in the social work field before returning to teach.
Accepting a teachers position at Brownsboro in 2022 got her back in the classroom, before accepting a new teacher/coach slot at Tyler-Legacy High School in July of 2024.
Smith was assistant volleyball and assistant track coach for the Lady Raiders.
Meanwhile, Coach Smith joined Infinity Volleyball Club in 2021, and will still be coaching the select club during her summer months.
Her leadership should inspire and motivate the athletes, creating a new culture of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
“Team first means our primary focus is on collective success, with each person contributing their unique strengths to benefit the entire group,” Coach Smith said of her over philosophy. “We function as a supportive family, holding one another accountable and working tirelessly toward the same goals.
Coach Smith added, “and true growth occurs when individual needs are set aside for the team’s benefit.”
Coach Smith would also like to see a youth program in Arp.
“Hopefully we are gonna be able to build some type of ‘Little Tiger’ program real soon,” Smith said closing out, “We need to get a volleyball in their hands before middle school to really build a strong program.”
Cristy’s sister, Alisa Blair is Associate Head Volleyball coach at Texas Tech University.
In addition to Coach Smith’s coaching duties, Coach Smith will serve as Health Teacher at Arp Junior High.
