Maine South's Smith stepping down

Veteran girls basketball coach Mark Smith, who'd spent 22 years in Maine South's program, has decided to step down in order to spend more time with his family.

Smith led the varsity team for 13 years. The Hawks won Central Suburban South titles under his watch in 2006, '07 and '11.

Highlights of Maine South's postseason runs included a fourth-place state finish in 2006, a third-place state finish in 2011, sectional titles in 2006, '08 and 11 and a total of 10 regional titles.

Smith also spent four years as the program's sophomore coach, four more as the freshman B coach and 1 year as a volunteer assistant.

"It has been the honor of my professional life to lead the girls basketball program at Maine South," Smith said in a statement released by Dist. 207. "I am very proud of every player who wore the jersey and represented our program with class on and off the court. I am grateful to the administration and my coaching staff for their unwavering support, loyalty and friendship. And I am particularly blessed to have a family who has supported me throughout my coaching tenure.

"I look forward to spending more time with my wife and daughters but will continue to be the biggest supporter of Maine South girls basketball moving forward. I will not regret this decision but will miss coaching tremendously - especially the camaraderie of my peers and the relationships with my players."