ALPINE — Alpine ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Andy Smith shared Tuesday that he has been named athletic director and head football coach in another Texas school district, to be announced later this week.
Smith has led the Fightin’ Bucks Athletics Program for the past two years. During this time, all Alpine ISD teams advanced to UIL postseason competition, with numerous teams winning district, bi-district, and area championships, and multiple student athletes qualifying for state championship appearances. Numerous student athletes also qualified for district and state-level accolades, as well as academic all-district and all-state honors, showcasing the Fightin’ Bucks paired focus on athletic and academic success. Under Coach Smith’s leadership, the Alpine Fightin’ Bucks football program earned a share of the district championship for the first time since 2019, a bi-district championship in 2023, and the most wins since the 2019 season.
Smith was named the 2024 District 3-3A Co-Coach of the Year. His wife, Coach Adrian Smith, has served as College, Career, and Military Readiness student success advisor, girls athletics coordinator and head volleyball coach at Alpine High School during this time. Adrian Smith led the Lady Bucks volleyball program to two consecutive, program-wide, undefeated district championships, bi-district and area championships, as well as the Lady Bucks’ first regional tournament appearances since 2017.
Adrian Smith was named the District 4-3A Coach of the Year in 2023 and 2024 and the 2023 West Texas Coach of the Year from the Joby Flores Lead 33 Foundation. Numerous Lady Buck volleyball players earned district and state-level accolades, combined with academic all-district and all-state honors, as well.
“Alpine will always have a special place in our family’s heart,” Andy Smith said. “We are deeply grateful to Alpine ISD, Dr. Michelle Rinehart, Mr. Jarrett Vickers, and the board of trustees for the opportunities and relationships here that have played a significant role in our journey.”
Pending board approval, the Smiths will transition to their new district in February. “We are so appreciative of the incredible work the Smiths led while they were here in Alpine,” said Alpine ISD Superintendent Michelle Rinehart. “When we hired Coach Andy Smith two years ago, we were looking for our next athletic director to lead and grow our entire K-12 athletic program, to set, model and uphold high expectations, to foster excellence and maximize potential in all areas, to communicate effectively, and to be engaged, committed and empowering on behalf of our kids. Andy has exemplified this vision here at Alpine, and we are grateful for his tireless service and leadership on behalf of our kids and community.”
Alpine ISD will begin a search for our next Fightin’ Bucks athletic director and head football coach in the near future.