Hallsville names new head basketball coaches
HALLSVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)
The 2025-26 season will mark a new era of Hallsville Boys and Girls Basketball.
The school has announced that Michael Smith and Lauren Lloyd will be taking over as the head coaches of its boys and girls basketball programs, respectively.
Smith has more than 20 years of coaching experience at multiple levels, including high school, junior college, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I. Most recently, he served as the head boys basketball coach at Sturgeon High School, his alma mater, for five seasons, guiding the program to a conference championship and a second place finish in the 2019-20 MSHSAA Class 1 District 10 Tournament.
Before that, Smith coached at the collegiate level at Northwest Missouri State (2013-15), Truman State University (2008-13) and Moberly Area Community College (2002-06). While leading the Greyhounds, he tallied a 102-34 overall record, back-to-back Region XVI Championships, two straight NJCAA national tournament appearances and two District L Coach of the Year honors.
“I’m honored to join a district that values education, athletics, and community,” Smith said in a press release. “Hallsville has a strong basketball tradition, and I’m excited to build on that foundation. I look forward to working with our student-athletes, supporting their growth on and off the court."
“Michael brings a remarkable level of experience, and more importantly, a student-centered approach to coaching and teaching,” Hallsville Activities Director Ryan Richardson said in Thursday's press release. “We are excited for his impact on our basketball program, our classrooms, and our school culture.”
Smith is taking over for former Hallsville head coach Brandon Crites, who recently accepted the same position at Centralia High School. Hallsville recorded a 21-6 overall record and took second place in the 2024-25 MSHSAA Class 4 District 8 Tournament in his final season at the helm.
Lloyd has 12 years of coaching experience in multiple sports at Hallsville. The Hickman graduate has coached girls basketball, volleyball and track during her career. She's also been recognized as one of the school's best teachers, being honored as the 2022 Hallsville School District Educator of the Year. Overall, Lloyd has 14 years of teaching experience.
“I am thrilled to return home to such a supportive school and community,” Lloyd said in Thursday's press release. “It’s an honor to lead a program that has helped shape me into the coach and educator I am today.”
"Lauren’s passion for education and athletics is unmatched," Richardson said in the press release. "She knows what it means to be a Lady Indian, and her commitment to growing student-athletes on and off the court makes her the perfect leader for our program. We’re excited to see her take this next step."
Lloyd will look to lead her program to a turnaround season in 2025-26. Hallsville has posted a 10-43 record over its last two campaigns.
