Turning Passion into Purpose with Lifelong Coach Cecelia Carter Smith

CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – November 2025

“Sport and coaching – the impact it can have on young people is profound.”

By David Grossman

It’s not often that one gets an opportunity to meet a luminary.

Forget about looking for a definition of that word. It’s much easier calling Cecelia Carter Smith what she is – a legend. She’s that exceptional individual who has influenced, motivated and inspired hundreds of people, of all ages, in a very compassionate and impressive way.

For some 33 years as a mentor, and now in her retirement years, Carter Smith continues to find time and opportunities to bring joy, laughter and prosperity to others.

Simply put, it has been her life-long way of doing things.

She’s a former World indoor record holder at 600 yards, a two-time Commonwealth Games competitor and four-time Canadian champion in track. Those are just a few of her numerous accomplishments as an athlete. While the accolades continue with a lengthy list of noble awards, citations and tributes, all are merited and justified.

Carter Smith is an incredible woman. Her spotlight of recognition extends far beyond being listed in the prestigious Hamilton Gallery of Distinction and induction to the Sports Hall of Fame at McMaster University.

Back in 1984, she was chosen Woman of the Year in the category of Health, Sport and Fitness by the Hamilton Status of Women Committee. A year later, the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association singled her out for making an outstanding contribution as a physical and health educator. The citations just kept coming.

Carter Smith is not one to boast about receiving accolades on how great she is. That’s not her. What she does thrive on is devoting time to elaborate on her personal delight and fondness for coaching, teaching and making others feel better – especially in a world confronted with challenges.

Peaks and valleys do occur for everyone. For her, the shocker was being informed by medical specialists that she had been diagnosed with cancer. Resilience and a gutsy determination to win her battle – which she has – is what Carter Smith calls “the biggest reward”.

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once was quoted saying “it’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”

As for Carter Smith, the importance of not giving up is in her soul.

That road to greatness for one of Canada’s all-time elite female runners did not come easy having to endure several stereotypical barriers in her life.

Growing up in Bronte, a neighbourhood in the west end of Oakville (about 40 kilometres southwest of Toronto), there was some financial hardship. Along with her brother and parents, the family lived with grandparents for a short time. The support from her parents was huge and compelled her to work hard and aim for the top in everything she achieved.

Choosing running as her sport came about because it didn’t cost much – a pair of shoes, shorts and a shirt. At age 16, Carter ((her surname before she was married) started out as a sprinter, then moved on to middle distance events. She credits Pat Cole, who back then coached at the Hamilton Olympic Club, as the one who put things in motion.

Carter Smith had a genuine desire, as a youngster, to pursue teaching as a career. At the age of 21, she started a teaching career while continuing to train and keep a dream alive of competing at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

What she didn’t know at the time, was that becoming an educator would be enhanced greatly by a passion and propensity to coach. When mixing the progress of cultivating literacy and education with a desire to tutor others at excelling in sport as a coach, you have in Carter Smith, a very special and unique individual.

“Someone had time for me, knew I had a talent (as an athlete) and helped me learn, strive for excellence, know the ethics of hard work and respect for others,” said Carter Smith, who points to her years as a coach being a very special part of her life.

“I figured kids can do it too and wanted to be someone who could have that positive impact. If you can use sport as a vehicle to get you somewhere, I believe that adds to you becoming a wonderful human being. As a coach, with explosive energy, every day was a joy. I loved what I did. Look what sport did for me, it defined me in many ways.”

As one of the top athletes at Thomas A Blakelock High School in Oakville, Carter Smith periodically has fond memories and flashbacks of those younger years. For instance, it was in 1966 when she competed in her first international track event – at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games (BECG) in Jamaica.

While running was always very much a part of her life, there were no outstanding personal medals. Wearing the colours of Canada – and being a finalist in both the 440 and 880 yards at the BECG – were the huge perks and rewards. Worth noting was that 1966 was the last time the imperial distance was contested before changing to metric lengths.

As for that initial taste of victory in a race, it came away from the track. As a five-year old kindergarten student, she was entered in a doll buggy dress up competition. With toy dolls, young girls would dress up their buggies, and parade behind them to show their treasure. Not Carter. When organizers gave the approval to walk – Carter ran as fast as she could.

A trailblazer, she made a positive impact on the track scene, in the classroom and throughout the countless times she put her name forward to volunteer. Carter Smith was convinced that being yourself can – and did – make a huge difference.

Her engaging personality and power of performance were impeccable. Coaching was not restricted to track and field and in one place. She coached volleyball, cross country and basketball at the elementary and secondary school levels.

The thirst to share coaching excellence continued at McMaster University with the focus on track, cross country and basketball. You’ll still find her at the gym offering basketball tips.

Carter Smith has lived her everyday life with a common phrase – and it’s one that was firmly entrenched in her days as a coach – and a great one.

 “It was always about wanting to do something better tomorrow than I did today – could be anything, but working with youngsters in a positive way was important to me,” said the now 81-year-old Carter Smith, who is gifted with energy, passion, humility and enthusiasm.

“Sport and coaching – the impact it can have on young people is profound. Back then, girls were never given much encouragement in sport. I did what I could and believe I rode a magic carpet throughout my career – and was carried by those I coached.

“While it has been a wonderful journey – and continues to be, I would like to be remembered for bringing joy and laughter to others.”

The Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) highlights individuals for their time, talent and support in improving performance and increasing confidence of athletes. These stories are shared with an extensive community as part of the popular series called “Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench”.

-END-

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.

“As a coach, with explosive energy, every day was a joy. I loved what I did. Look what sport did for me, it defined me in many ways.”