#388 Carry the Torch | feat. Jess Smith | Nyack, NY | NCAA-W Division 1 Official

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we feature the inspiring journey of Jess Smith, a seasoned basketball official who has been making strides in college basketball officiating for over a decade, including seven years at the Division I level. Growing up in a basketball family, Jess was introduced to the game early on by her father, a former Division I women's basketball official. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for her deep love of the game, which has only grown through her experiences as both a coach and an official. Jess's dedication to leadership, communication, and mentorship is a driving force in her career, as she continues to prioritize growth, not just for herself, but also for those she mentors in the officiating community.⁣⁣We talk about the importance of maintaining composure under pressure, fostering positive communication with coaches and players, and the balance between leadership and humility on the court. Jess discusses her strategies for handling challenging situations, her focus on mentoring the next generation of officials, and how her experience as a coach influences her approach to officiating. This episode also touches on Jess’s memorable moments in the game, from officiating the DII Elite 8 with an all-female crew to overcoming setbacks and bouncing back stronger. Whether you’re a seasoned official or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways to enhance your officiating journey.⁣⁣🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽⁣https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹: 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽⁣https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣