BY MARK SHELTON

Dodge City Globe

DODGE CITY — St. John girls basketball coach Danny Smith has been offered the Dodge City girls basketball coaching position with approval expected at the next Dodge City USD board meeting.

Smith brings a wealth of experience and a strong record of success to Dodge City. A native of St. John and a Kansas State University graduate, Smith has spent the last 25 years coaching high school basketball while also teaching in several districts, including El Dorado, Lyons and St. John.

He began his head coaching career with the boys’ basketball program at Lyons High School, where he led the Lions to a fourth-place state finish in 2006. 

For the past 17 years, Smith has served as head girls basketball coach with assistant coach Trish Wade at St. John High School, a tenure marked by consistent excellence. 

Under his leadership, the program reached the state tournament seven times, earned five top-four finishes, and captured the 2009 state championship. Smith was honored as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

Smith earned a 1A state title in 2009 when St. John beat South Gray 46-35. The Tigers lost to the state champion in 2010, 2012, 2024 and 2025. Smith compiled a 288-117 record at St. John and is 333-161 overall.

With 333 career wins to his name, Smith is recognized not only for his on-court success but also for his ability to build meaningful relationships with players, colleagues, and the community.

“We’re excited to welcome coach Smith to Dodge City,” said Shawn Steiner,  Dodge City activities director. “He brings a deep love for the game, a strong commitment to developing student-athletes, and an experienced leadership style that will be a great fit for our program and school community. I’ve had the pleasure of watching him coach on several occasions during the state tournaments in Dodge City. His teams were consistently competitive and demonstrated excellence in all facets of the game.”

Smith expressed enthusiasm for his new role.

“I’m grateful for the chance to join the Dodge City family and lead the Lady Demon Basketball program,” he said. “I’m extremely excited to be the new head coach for Dodge City High School and can’t wait to get started working towards getting better.”

ST. JOHN STATE *state champion

2009—*St. John 46, South Gray 35; St. John 49, Centralia 38; St. John 57, Hoxie 50

2010—*South Gray 34, St. John 30; St. John 43, Frankfort 32; St. John 43, St. Paul 35

2012—*Hoxie 55, St. John 45; St. John 54, Waverly 43; St. John 44, Caldwell 17

2018—St. Paul 26, St. John 19

2024—*Frankfort 51, St. John 34

2025—*Centralia 50, St. John 27