As Volusia County continues to mourn the loss of Spruce Creek High School assistant baseball coach, Adam “Stump” Smith after a
Spruce Creek Hawks baseball also made an Instagram post to honor Smith. Many of Smith’s players, friends, and community members have commented on the coach’s positive impact and sent prayers to his family.
“We love you Stump. We will never forget you. Please pray for our players, coaches, fans, and most importantly, Adam’s family,” one post read.
The district sent a crisis response team to the high school on May 11, according to Chief Communications Officer for Volusia County School District Mike Micallef. They offered grief counseling and emotional support to both faculty and students.
“Throughout the school day, mental health professionals were present on campus, ensuring that support resources remain accessible to any student or staff who need them,” Micallef said.
Smith’s legacy inside and outside of Spruce Creek
Smith will be remembered in many different communities. Spruce Creek’s head baseball coach, Matt Cleveland, spoke with The News-Journal on May 11 and said that Smith’s death has shaken the entirety of Volusia County’s baseball community.
Micallef added to that sentiment.
“Volusia County Schools is deeply saddened by the loss of Adam Smith and the entire Spruce Creek High School community. Adam was a cherished member of the school, and his absence is deeply felt by everyone who knew him and had the privilege of working alongside him daily,” Micallef said.
New Smyrna Beach High School Principal Timothy Merrick also weighed in.
“We are saddened by the loss of Adam “Stump” Smith. Even when he was playing, we knew Adam would end up being a coach. As soon as he graduated, he began volunteering with our program and had continued to coach and mentor baseball players throughout Central Florida. Adam was a relentless, dedicated, and passionate coach who would do anything to help our kids. We pray for his family and all the lives he impacted on and off the field. Adam will forever be in our hearts.”
Cleveland told The News-Journal that Smith’s death was especially devastating to the players since he had such a good relationship with them a young coach.
“He was only 26, but he is the best young coach I’ve known,” Cleveland said. “He knew the kids and he knew how to get the best out of them, and he did it quietly and respectfully.”
Blanca Christen told The News-Journal that there are no services or memorials set up for Smith at this time. As of May 12, $22,005 of $20,000 has been raised through GoFundMe to cover the family’s funeral expenses.
“We ask that the media and public honor the Smith family’s privacy and extend grace to our school community as they are given the time and space needed to grieve and heal,” Micallef added.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Loss of Spruce Creek coach leaves mark on Spruce Creek, Volusia