Jim Smith Becomes 3rd Coach In Northern Virginia History To Win 500 Games

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Led by seniors Mac Duross and Duncan Miller, the Meridian High School varsity boys basketball team defeated Brentsville District High School Tuesday night, earning head coach Jim Smith his 500th career win.

Smith becomes only the third boys basketball head coach in Northern Virginia history to reach 500 wins, joining former W.T. Woodson High School head coach Red Jenkins, who had 609 career wins, and Brian Metress, the current head coach of Lake Braddock High School, who has 537 career wins.

Smith has coached for 34 seasons at four schools, with an overall record of 500-313. On hand for the win at Brentsville Tuesday night was Meridian Athletic Director Brian Parke and Smith's wife, Sarah. The 59-28 victory improved the team’s Northwestern district record to 4-4 and its overall record to 6-13.

Smith started his head coaching career in 1987, getting his first 15 wins in his only season at Sidwell Friends School. He then coached for three seasons at McLean High School, where he had 38 wins. In 1991, Smith moved to Chantilly High School, where he also taught social studies. In 29 seasons at Chantilly High School, Smith had 441 victories before retiring in 2020.

Smith took over as head coach at Meridian last fall.

Senior Mac Duross noted Smith's immediate impact on the Meridian basketball program, "Coach Smith may be new to Meridian but certainly not to basketball," Duross said in a statement. "We have all benefited this season from his experience and insights."

Smith's son Bob serves as an assistant coach on the team. "Coaching with my dad is a dream come true," Bob Smith said in a statement. "Basketball has always been a connecting part of our family, and for my entire life, I have only ever known my dad as a coach."

"When he decided to step down at Chantilly, it didn't feel right, so I always knew in some way, shape, or form coaching would find its way back to him," he said.