Independence didn’t have to look far to find the next leader of its boys’ volleyball program.
The Blue Devils turned to one of their own, hiring 2021 graduate Grace Smotek as the program’s new head coach—an alum with a decorated playing career and a growing coaching résumé.
“For as long as I have been around volleyball, I knew I always wanted to be a coach,” Smotek said. “I have been part of the boys’ program for the past two years as the assistant, and now being the head coach is pretty awesome, and I’m so excited for it. This is a great group of guys, and I feel like they can go really far and build a really great program together.”
Smotek starred for the Blue Devils during one of the most successful stretches in program history.
She played in four straight state Final Fours, earned first-team All-Ohio, first-team all-district, and first-team all-conference honors, and went on to compete collegiately at Notre Dame College, where she earned All-MEC recognition. She later graduated from Lake Erie College, rounding out an athletic and academic journey that now brings her home.
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Serving as an assistant coach for the boys’ team in the past has helped Smotek to familiarize herself with the program.
“I just see so much heart for the game,” she said. “These boys want to come in and get better all the time. I really see potential for this group and this program. These boys have an opportunity to turn this program into something really great and create a culture and make a name for themselves. I’m just excited to be a part of that.”
Her first order of business is getting the players back in the gym.
“I was helping with the girls’ team, and I was waiting for that season to be over so that I could focus my attention on the boys,” she said. “I plan on starting open gyms soon. I just have to find gym time, because basketball is now starting, so we haven’t gotten in the gym yet, but that is in my plans for the near future.”
As she takes over, Smotek sees a foundation already in place for the Blue Devils to push forward quickly.
“We have Sonny (Sears) and Jamie (Panichi) returning, and we have a good group of returners that are all playing club,” she said. “They’re getting better and continuing to get reps, so I’ve been in touch with some of the boys, and they’re extremely excited. I think we’re going to see a really great run here, hopefully for these boys.”
