From the rec courts of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to the electrifying arenas of the WNBA and the strategic sidelines of the Dallas Wings, Camille Smith’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of basketball. Born Camille Little, her path has been one of relentless dedication, undeniable talent, and a deeply rooted love for the game.
“My earliest memories probably were around seven or eight years old,” she recalls, a genuine smile in her voice. “My dad worked in the recreation department, and so, you know, his job was to be at the rec all day with kids… I would opt to go to work with him just because it was fun to be around the kids.”
It was there, amidst the youthful energy and the squeak of sneakers, that the spark ignited, a love for the game that would shape her destiny. “I just remember being really long and skinny and tall and being taller than everyone and not really having a great skill set, but I could rebound and I could shoot pretty well.” That simple beginning, filled with innocent joy and burgeoning talent, laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Camille Smith: All-American Star
It didn’t take long for that spark to turn into a flame. Smith’s basketball prowess became evident early on. At Carver High School, she earned WBCA All-American honors, a testament to her exceptional skills. She further showcased her abilities in the 2003 WBCA High School All-America Game, setting the stage for a promising future in the sport. She was a star in the making, and everyone could see it. This early recognition was just the beginning of a remarkable ascent.
As her high school career soared, the dream of playing professionally began to crystallize. “I do remember in middle school, we used to do a career day… And I remember doing mine on the WNBA,” Smith shares, her voice filled with a hint of awe. “One thing that I’ll never forget, you know, when I brought it in that day to present it, I’ll never forget that my teacher was very, very supportive right at that.” Imagine the poster board, adorned with the faces of legends like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Cynthia Cooper – a young girl’s dream taking shape, a dream that would soon become reality. The WNBA wasn’t just a distant possibility; it was a goal she was actively pursuing.
Playing for UNC
That pursuit led her to the University of North Carolina (UNC), a place where basketball history breathes. Her collegiate career at UNC solidified her status as a formidable player. Partnering with fellow All-American Ivory Latta, Smith propelled the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances. Her outstanding performance earned her the 2004 ACC Freshman of the Year award, and in 2007, she was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team. By the end of her UNC tenure, she had scored 1,773 points, averaging 12.8 points per game, displaying her dual abilities in both offense and defense.
Choosing to stay close to home and play for the legendary University of North Carolina Tar Heels, under the guidance of Coach Hatchell, was a decision rooted in family, tradition, and a hunger to rewrite the narrative. “I’m a family girl, so being close to home is important. That my mom and dad can go to all my games. That was important to me as well,” Smith explains. “Something about just that campus and the aura, Michael Jordan lingering everywhere you go in that place and just how it’s just about basketball. It’s just basketball heaven there.”
Playing alongside the likes of Ivory Latta, she helped build a dynasty. “We practiced to win; we played to win,” Smith emphasizes. “And to be honest, like, I was blessed to play with some great, great players alongside me to help us do that.” UNC was more than just college; it was a crucible where she honed her skills and forged lifelong bonds.
Heading to the Pros
In 2007, Smith was drafted 17th overall by the San Antonio Silver Stars, marking the beginning of her 13-season WNBA career. The 2007 WNBA Draft, however, wasn’t the fairytale moment she’d envisioned. Selected 17th overall by the San Antonio Silver Stars, she felt a sting. “I was very upset. I was picked 17th overall, and I remember getting invited to the draft and getting invited to the green room and sitting there and to be a part of the draft, and I felt like I sat there forever,” she admits. “I just kept hearing names getting called. Wasn’t my name. I’m like, why am I here?” Despite the initial disappointment, she persevered. Playing alongside legends like Becky Hammon, Ruth Riley, and Sophia Young, she learned the pro game. She played for the then newly added Atlanta Dream before ending up on the Seattle Storm. Throughout her professional journey, Smith was known for her versatility, consistently contributing with scoring, rebounding, and defensive plays.
Her playing career truly blossomed in Seattle, where she joined Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, Swin Cash, and Tanisha Wright, culminating in a championship with the Storm in 2010. “That season was just magical,” Smith reflects. “A lot of people don’t know that. A lot of those games that he’s won were down most of the season. We were down 10, 15 points, some games, and came back and won multiple games like that. I think it built resilience in us.”
Imagine Bill Russell addressing the team, his words echoing with championship wisdom. And then imagine the team, clad in black, sweeping their way to victory. Seattle wasn’t just a team; it was a family, and the championship was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Smith revealed that the core of that team still keeps in touch to this day.
Smith would play for a couple more teams before retiring from the WNBA after the 2019 season, leaving behind a legacy of consistent performance. Smith played 13 seasons in the WNBA with 5 different teams. She averaged 8.2 points per game over her WNBA career.
Connecting as a Coach
When her playing days ended, Smith’s connection to basketball didn’t fade. In November 2019, she transitioned to coaching, taking on the role of Player Development Coach for the Dallas Wings. Her passion for mentoring and developing players soon led to further opportunities. In 2022, she became the head coach of the Paul Quinn College women’s basketball program. Smith’s coaching journey also includes serving as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks and, currently, she has returned to the Dallas Wings as an assistant coach. Her coaching experience includes positions as Player Development Coach for the Dallas Wings, Head Coach of Paul Quinn College Women’s Basketball, and Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Sparks and Dallas Wings.
Transitioning to coaching, Smith found her calling in mentoring young women at Paul Quinn College. “It wasn’t really about basketball for me. That was a big part of it, but the biggest part was mentoring the young women,” she explains. “I knew that the sport was just an avenue for me to reach them and connect with them and to pour into them.” Coaching wasn’t just a job; it was a chance to give back to the game that had given her so much.
Coming Home
Now, back with the Dallas Wings under the leadership of general manager Curt Miller, Smith is embracing her role in shaping the team’s future. “He was very transparent with me during that process about him wanting me to be there full time and to really pour into our league,” she says of her return. After marrying and moving to Texas with her husband, former basketball player and construction business owner Jeremis Smith, Texas, once a new frontier, has become home. “Texas is definitely my home now,” Smith affirms. “I love the family and friends that I’ve created in this beautiful space.”
Camille Smith’s story is one of unwavering dedication and a profound love for basketball. From her early days as a high school standout to her successful WNBA career and her transition into coaching, she has consistently displayed a commitment to excellence. Her impact both on the court and now as a coach solidifies her lasting legacy in the world of basketball. Her journey, marked by passion, resilience, and a commitment to mentorship, continues to unfold, leaving an undeniable legacy on the world of basketball, one conversation, one game, one life at a time.