Lady Eagles coach takes assistant job at Vilonia

By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor

After a successful fouryear stint as the Des Arc Lady Eagles basketball coach, Ryan Smith is leaving to become an assistant coach for the Vilonia Lady Eagles. Smith came to Des Arc after winning state championships at Riverview High School in Searcy. He is going to a program in Vilonia which played for the Class 5A state champi- onship last March.

“I love the community, athletes and staff at Des Arc,” Smith said. “I enjoyed my experiences as the coach. We had a great run, and I will treasure this place as it has a special place in my heart.”

Smith was 68-27 during his time as coach of the Lady Eagles. His best two teams were the first two. In 2020, the Lady Eagles went 23-9 and advanced to the state semifinals. A year later, the Lady Eagles went 22-2 and lost in the state semifinals.

During the 2022-23 season, Des Arc went 18-6 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class 2A state tournament.

Des Arc superintendent Marc Sherell said the district will start looking for a new coach quickly with the start of school less than two months away.