New Francis Scott Key girls basketball coach Alice Smith didn't get to enjoy the first day of practice with her team on Tuesday.
That was just fine, though, because the Eagles volleyball team -- for which she is an assistant coach -- was making its second straight state playoff appearance.
Smith takes over the basketball controls from Brian Hollingsworth, who spent nine seasons with the Eagles -- the last seven as head coach -- before leaving to become an assistant men's coach at Western Maryland College.
"We're certainly sorry to lose Brian, but understand it will be better off for him in the long run," said Key athletic director Gary Watson.
"We're real excited about Alice. She has a great athletic background as a two-sport standout and the county doesn't have a lot of women coaches, so to get her in as a head coach is pretty exciting for us."
Smith, a Williamsport High grad, was a four-year letter-winner in both basketball and volleyball at Western Maryland College before graduating in 1991.
She's since been at Francis Scott Key, teaching math and heading the junior varsity girls basketball program in addition to her volleyball duties.
Smith is looking forward to the added responsibility that comes with being a head coach. She is bringing along a new staff with Anna Bible and Jaime Hutchner as her assistants, along with two volunteer coaches.
"It's exciting. We have a lot of the same kids who I've had the last couple of years, so they're used to me and know what to expect," she said.
"It's a brand-new staff and I'm teaching them what I know and grasping from their ideas. We'd like to have all three programs [varsity, junior varsity and freshmen] going in the same direction with the same beliefs and philosophies."
Few coaches in the area have devoted as much time and energy into a program as Hollingsworth, who led the Eagles to four region playoff appearances. At Western Maryland, he'll also be able to work on his master's degree in special education.
"It's kind of like going through a divorce. My heart is still at Key and I'll be back to see how they're doing," Hollingsworth said.
"I'll miss the daily contact with the players, parents and faculty and would like to thank them all. I met some nice people through the years."
Said Watson: "No. 1, he's been a gentleman and professional and always kept winning in perspective and doing what's best for the kids. He put a lot of his time and hard work into his community."