Clarksville Academy basketball announces Kenwood alum DeeDee Smith as next head coach – Main Street Media of Tennessee

On July 3, Clarksville Academy announced that Damarius “DeeDee” Smith will be the interim head boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 season. 

Smith has been with Clarksville Academy since 2020 and has worked with the middle school basketball team and served as a full-time physical education instructor. 

“The players can expect great leadership,” Smith said. “Someone who is going to hold them accountable, someone who is going to push and challenge them. They can look forward to a great player and coach relationship as well as a great role model.” 

Smith is a graduate of Kenwood High School where he scored 22 points per game on his way to a 1,000-point high school career. He was also named to the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee All-Star Game, All-District 10-AAA team and was a McDonald’s All-American nominee in his senior season. 

After high school, Smith attended Lipscomb University for two seasons before transferring to Vincennes Community College where he played one season. Smith transferred to Austin Peay to round out his college career from 2013-15. 

“I think it translates well to my coaching because of the coaches I’ve had,” Smith said of his playing experience translating to coaching. “From AAU to high school to college, I’ve played for some Hall of Fame head coaches. Coaching from experience is also something I do well because I still play basketball. Being able to get out there and go up to guys and not only tell them but show them is huge in today’s time.” 

Smith inherits a Clarksville Academy roster that finished 21-8 last season under former head coach Matt Hoppe who took the head coaching job at Boyd Buchanan in April. The Cougars lost only one starter to graduation. With Trae Rideau leading the charge, the Cougars are set up for continued success under their first-year head coach.