The Coach Brad Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established in loving memory of Brad Smith, who courageously battled cancer and passed away on December 28, 2025. Brad was deeply passionate about coaching and fast-pitch softball, spending many years helping coach the Bruins at Louisville Ballard High School. While Brad was on the staff at Ballard from 2013-2025, they compiled an overall record of 344-89-3. In 2022, they finished 39–0, won the Kentucky state championship, and finished ranked #2 in the nation by MaxPreps. In 2023, the team repeated as state champions with a record of 36-1. With Brad, the program set a state record of 61 consecutive wins and won 2 state championships, 4 regional championships, and 9 district championships.

But beyond the records and titles, Brad’s true legacy lives through the countless players and families whose lives he inspired, mentored, and uplifted.

To honor that legacy, Brad’s family is establishing the Coach Brad Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit dedicated solely to providing college scholarships for local softball student-athletes pursuing their education and athletic careers at the next level. Numerous players that Brad coached went on to further their education while playing collegiate softball. Our goal is to assist future student-athletes who also wish to do so. Contributions are welcomed at any time and may be made in lieu of flowers or other expressions of condolence. All donations are tax-deductible, and every gift helps continue Brad’s mission of supporting young athletes and shaping future leaders—just as he did throughout his extraordinary life.