Patricia L. Smith, who is arguably the greatest women’s basketball coach in Lenoir-Rhyne history will be inducted into the school's Hall of Fame on Saturday, October 9.

For five years, from 1977 to 1982, Smith led the Bears to a 114-32 record and a 78.1 winning percentage.  During Smith’s tenure, Lenoir-Rhyne won three straight NCAIAW State Championships and advanced to the AIAW Region II Tournament from 1980 to 1982.
Smith’s 1979-80 squad set the school record for wins in a season (28-4) and the 1980-81 team qualified for the AIAW Division II Final Four as well.  Smith also coached two All-Americans (Sally Reid and Brenda Hairston) and three L-R Sports Hall Of Fame members (Reid, Hairston and Donna Elrod).
Smith served as Lenoir-Rhyne’s Head Volleyball Coach (1977-82) as well and led the Bears to 111-74 mark including a program-record 33 wins in 1978. Smith is currently a Financial Planner for Ameriprise in Boone, N.C.
She will be joined by football players Larry "Butch" Gunter III, defensive back/wide receiver John Moretz and Wade W. Teague.
The Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be part of Lenoir-Rhyne's Homecoming Weekend and will take place in the P.E. Monroe Auditorium on L-R's campus at 11:15 a.m., on Saturday, October 9.