Coach Bob Smith graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Physical Education. Coach Smith obtained his secondary teaching credential from Humboldt State University in 2000.
Coach Smith began his coaching career at Toddy Thomas Elementary, as the 8th grade boy's basketball coach. After two years with Toddy Thomas, Bob moved on to Fortuna High as the boys frosh coach. While coaching at Toddy and Fortuna High Bob also assisted the Varsity Boys coach, Dennis Hoass and later Ed Houseworth.
After a leave from the game for a
while, Bob rejoined coaching with Ed Houseworth at Ferndale High School as the
Assistant Varsity Boys coach. Bob left Ferndale after one season to move
his family to Phoenix, Arizona where he joined Head Varsity coach, Dave Hodges
and the Deer Valley Skyhawks as the Assistant Varsity Boys coach. Here he
was able to reach the "great 8" in the state tournament two years in a
row.
Bob has coached numerous all-league selections, two all state players, and several players attending colleges and universities on scholarship. Bob accredits these players success due to hard work and pure dedication. One player in particular, Tyler Ojanen would arrive at school at 6 am and shoot 200 three-pt shots. This All-State guard from Arizona is now the starting point guard at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, California on an athletic scholarship.
Coach Smith is in his 3rd season as the Head Varsity Boy’s coach at Fortuna and is working towards a league championship. The first season resulted in a 9-13 overall record and last year ended at the H-DN Championship at Humboldt State University with a 14-11 overall record to leave the Huskies in second place in the county championship and third place in league. Bob has worked toward building depth in his program by promoting basketball in the community. He has put on the Husky Youth Basketball Camp for the past three summers with the help of John Crotty of the Fortuna Parks and Recreation.
In addition to Bob’s commitment as a coach, father, husband and educator he spends 8 months each year scouting offensive tendencies for the National Basketball Association (NBA). This year will mark his 6th season compiling statistical data for the league coaching staff as a freelance consultant.
