Ashley Kennedy ’22
John Smith has been serving athletes as a trainer at the Episcopal Academy for 44 years after coming from Widener University as their assistant trainer. This year, he has announced his retirement. Smith is held in high esteem here at EA and will be greatly missed.
Football player Ben Kovacs ‘20 says, “Mr. Smith was great. He was such a large part of our football team. If something went wrong, you can always count on Mr. Smith to be there ready to help. I am thankful for the years of dedication he has given to our athletes.” Regarding the aspect of his job he enjoys the most, Smith says, “I guess the best part is seeing all of the athletes competing and having success in their sports.” He goes on to say that he will always remember his own sons participating in sports and music here at Episcopal and how student-athletes have had the opportunity to play not only at the high school level but in college and at the professional level as well.
Smith has thoroughly enjoyed his time here at EA, but has decided that retirement is the best decision for him, “I think it is time. The physical part of my job has gotten to be a lot. But I will miss seeing all of the students and athletes here at Episcopal.”
Smith helped athletes off the field in the trainer’s office but also was an inspiration on the field. Lacrosse player Lukas Sinon ‘20 says, “I know I won’t be alone in saying I will miss his pre-game talks before going out to compete.”
Smith explains that he began working at EA as a lower school Physical Education teacher as well as the boys’ trainer. Since he began working here, Smith has seen many changes at Episcopal, but the biggest one was when the school became co-ed. “It has changed a great deal for me.” He continues to say that the athletic department has grown substantially and the number of athletic contests has increased as well.
Assistant Athletic Trainer Catherine Holt has really enjoyed having Smith as a colleague for the past 14 years. She is extremely complimentary of Smith and will miss having him around. “He is someone who is always willing to help out and is extremely collaborative. He jumps in when he sees a need, so you don’t have to ask him to help with anything.” She goes on to say that they have built a very strong connection with each other and that they move in the same patterns and are always able to pick up where the other left off. Holt says, “He has a tremendous amount of experience so unfortunately when he leaves, so does that experience and it’s been nice to have him to talk to and bounce ideas off of.” She says that he is extremely empathetic and concerned about the boys, which is what has made him such a great trainer.
Holt talked about the surprise send off the football team gave to Smith. Holt comments, “I knew they were gonna do it, but keeping a secret isn’t my strong suit, and they surprised him right before the end of the season this year.” The football team showed their gratitude by tricking Smith into thinking one of the members on the team was badly injured before a big game. Dominic Minicozzi ‘20 was laying on the ground surrounded by the team, and when he rushed the field and broke through the huddle, Minicozzi sprang up and gave the Malvern game ball to him. Smith says, “It was a great way to end the season” and that “he is so honored to be able to help such wonderful young men.”