The Basketball Teacher Podcast · Mike Hernandez

Episode 269: Why Relationships Matter With Coach Gabrielle Smith

July 14, 2025·1 hr 4 min·4 clips

The first thing they did was begin crying. And it wasn't out of sadness, but it was one of those moments where you could feel the love on each end.

Coach Mike Hernandez interviews Coach Gabby Smith, head varsity girls basketball coach at Richmond High School in Indiana, about building relationships with players. Smith shares how she took over the program in August with no time for a traditional offseason, prioritizing getting to know her seniors as people first. The conversation covers honesty, patience with reluctant players, and seeing athletes beyond basketball.

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