Varsity Baseball Coach Mark Smith has been named the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association 2024 4A Coach of the Year

Providence Catholic High School’s Head Varsity Baseball Coach Mark Smith has been named the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association 2024 4A Coach of the Year. This award, selected by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Board of Directors, recognizes those coaches who have led their respective teams to an exceptional season of play.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Coach Smith,” said Athletic Director Doug Ternik. “For the past 18 seasons, he has been the foundation of our baseball program, guiding it to remarkable success. More than just a coach, he has been an invaluable mentor, shaping the lives of countless players on and off the field.”

Providence Catholic High School’s baseball program has seen tremendous success, and much of that can be attributed to the steady leadership of Coach Smith, now entering his 19th season as head coach at his alma mater. Over nearly two decades, Smith has built a strong baseball program, including the most baseball state championships of any private high school in Illinois.

In his first 18 seasons, Smith has guided the Celtics to a notable 14 regional championships, 10 sectional championship game appearances, 6 sectional titles, and 5 super-sectional championships. Under his leadership, the Celtics have reached the pinnacle of Illinois baseball, with highlights including a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2011, an unprecedented three-peat Class 4A state championship run (2014, 2015, and 2016), and a 2024 Class 4A State Championship.

Smith’s career record stands at an impressive 443-211-3, a testament to his consistency and ability to prepare his teams for success year in and year out. His players have thrived under his guidance, with 163 athletes moving on to play collegiate baseball, including 43 at the Division I level.

The Celtics have also led the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division, claiming championships in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2023, and 2024. Smith’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades:

• Chicago Catholic League Coach of the Year (2010, 2012, 2023)
• Joliet Herald News and Daily Southtown Coach of the Year (2011, 2015, 2016)
• IHSBCA Class 4A Illinois Coach of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016, 2024)
• Recipient of the Ron Santo Inspiration Award (2016)

In 2022, Smith’s incredible contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his induction into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) Hall of Fame.

Before his tenure at Providence Catholic, Smith honed his coaching skills at Joliet Junior College, where he spent 14 years as the pitching coach and associate head coach under Hall of Famer Wayne King. There, Smith helped lead the Wolves to six NJCAA World Series appearances, 11 regional titles, and six district championships, while mentoring 11 All-American pitchers and dozens of All-Region and All-Conference selections.

Off the field, Smith has been supported by his wife of 22 years, Jennifer, and their two children, Braeden (22) and Hailey (19).