Alpine Independent School District Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Andy Smith announced today that he will be leaving his position to take on a similar role in another Texas school district, which will be officially announced later this week.
Coach Smith has led the Fightin’ Bucks Athletics Program for the past two years, during which all Alpine ISD teams advanced to UIL postseason competition. Under his leadership, numerous teams secured District, Bi-District, and Area championships, with several student-athletes qualifying for state championship appearances. Fightin’ Bucks student-athletes also earned district and state-level accolades, as well as Academic All-District and All-State honors, highlighting the program’s commitment to athletic and academic success.
The Fightin’ Bucks football program flourished under Smith, earning a share of the District Championship for the first time since 2019, a Bi-District Championship in 2023, and the most wins since the 2019 season. Smith was recognized as the 2024 District 3-3A Co-Coach of the Year.
Coach Smith’s wife, Adrian Smith, has also played a pivotal role in Alpine ISD. As the CCMR Student Success Advisor, Girls’ Athletics Coordinator, and Head Volleyball Coach at Alpine High School, she led the Lady Bucks Volleyball program to two consecutive undefeated District Championships, Bi-District and Area Championships, and the team’s first regional tournament appearances since 2017. Coach Adrian Smith was named District 4-3A Coach of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2023 West Texas Coach of the Year by the Joby Flores Lead 33 Foundation. Her players also earned district and state-level accolades, along with Academic All-District and All-State honors.
“Alpine will always have a special place in our family’s heart,” Coach Andy Smith shared. “We are deeply grateful to Alpine ISD, Dr. Michelle Rinehart, Mr. Jarrett Vickers, and the Board of Trustees for the opportunities and relationships here that have played a significant role in our journey.”
Pending board approval, Coach Andy Smith and Coach Adrian Smith will begin their new roles in February.
Alpine ISD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rinehart expressed her gratitude for the Smiths’ contributions. “When we hired Coach Andy Smith two years ago, we were looking for our next Athletic Director to lead and grow our entire K-12 athletic program, to set, model, and uphold high expectations, to foster excellence and maximize potential in all areas, to communicate effectively, and to be engaged, committed, and empowering on behalf of our kids. Andy has exemplified this vision here at Alpine, and we are grateful for his tireless service and leadership on behalf of our kids and community.”
Alpine ISD plans to launch a search for its next Fightin’ Bucks Athletic Director and Head Football Coach in the near future.
Image Credit: Alpine ISD
