Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Patricia L. Smith is arguably the greatest women's basketball coach in Lenoir-Rhyne history. For five years from 1977 to 1982, Smith led the Bears to a 114-32 record and a 78.1 winning percentage. During Smith's tenure, Lenoir-Rhyne won three straight NCAIAW State Championships and advanced to the AIAW Region II Tournament from 1980 to 1982. Her 1979-80 squad set the school record for wins in a season (28-4 record) and the 1980-81 team qualified for the AIAW Division II Final Four as well.  Smith also coached two All-Americans (Sally Reid Bradshaw and Brenda Hairston) and three LR Sports Hall of Fame members (Reid, Bradshaw, Hairston and Donna Elrod).  Smith served as Lenoir-Rhyne's Head Volleyball Coach (1977-82) as well and led the Bears to a 111-74 mark including a program-record 33 wins in 1978.