ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Natasha Smallwood has been named the new girls basketball coach at Albertville High School.
With 22 years of experience in education and coaching, Smallwood brings a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to player development both on and off the court.
Through 10 seasons at the helm of Susan Moore High School, Smallwood has compiled a 227-70 (76.4%) record. During Smallwood’s tenure, the Bulldogs achieved multiple county and area championships, as well as deep playoff runs, including three consecutive final four appearances, with a state runner-up finish in 2022.
She was the AHSAA 3A Coach of the Year in 2022 and coached the north team in the AHSAA North-South basketball team. She was the assistant coach of the Alabama team in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game in March.
“I am thrilled to welcome Coach Smallwood and her family to Albertville,” said Athletic Director Matt Lambert. “She has a demonstrated ability to develop talent and build a successful program. She is a proven winner, and I am confident that Aggie fans will embrace and support Natasha as we enter the next chapter of Albertville girls basketball.”
Smallwood was appointed as head coach during a special called board meeting Tuesday morning.
“I want to say I would not be where I am today without the direction of the good Lord,” said Smallwood. “I am so thankful for my Christian faith. God has truly blessed me throughout my life, and I am so thankful for God’s guidance. He will never lead me in the wrong direction.”
Smallwood’s coaching extends beyond wins and losses, prioritizing the development of her players into outstanding young women.
“Many people put success in the number of victories a coach has on the floor. I do, too, because I love to win. But success has many different views. My number one priority is developing the girls in the program to become outstanding young women in all aspects of their lives,” said Smallwood.
Basketball is a family affair for Smallwood. She is married to John Smallwood and is mother to two daughters, Cali and Lani. Cali, currently a player at the University of Montevallo, and Lani, a rising junior, share the family’s passion for the game. Smallwood highlighted the importance of family involvement in her coaching career, including plans for her father, Bobby Waddle, and brother, Justin Waddle, to join her staff at Albertville.
“I am blessed to be able to do something I love so much with my family. My whole family has always been so supportive of my program,” said Smallwood.
Smallwood is eagerly anticipating connecting with players, families and the community. To celebrate, the public is invited to attend a reception Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in the gym lobby. The event will provide an opportunity to meet Coach Smallwood and to hear from her firsthand.
“I look forward to the opportunity ahead of me at Albertville to get to know many more young ladies and mentor and coach them to successful lives, while winning on the court,” said Smallwood. “I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to serving Albertville High School and the community. Go Aggies!”
