Donny Smith because the head coach of the girl's basketball team the year of its inception in 1993, the year Walsh Jesuit went co-ed.  In fourteen seasons he never had a losing record, going 12-11 in his very first year with a team with no Seniors.  His first 8 seasons the team continued to improve and be highly competitive year after year with district runner up finishes in 1999 and 2000, finally breaking through with a district championship in 2001.  

The groundwork and competitive spirit shown by the first teams began paying off in a huge way starting in 2002 when the team made the regional final (Elite 8) for the first of three consecutive seasons. This culminated with the 2004-2005 season in which WJ won the first and so far only state championship in basketball history with a win over Columbus Eastmoor Academy.  WJ finished 25-3.  

Over the last 6 seasons of Coach Smith's tenure, the school comprised a record of 130 wins and 22 losses for a winning percentage of 85%.  The last three seasons he was 67-7 for a winning percentage of 90% 

During his time WJ won 5 district championships, a regional championship, and a state championship.  Smith was named the 2001-2002 and 2004-2005 Summit County Coach of the Year and the  Cleveland Plain Dealer Coach of the Year in 2001-2002.  

Known for his laid-back demeanor during games, he trusted his players to do what they had been taught in practice, and usually they did.  Smith also served as the assistant to his long-time friend and fellow hall of famer, the late Larry Deeks, for several years at the onset of the softball team, which achieved the same level of success in the same short period of time.