A sophomore at Stillwater High School has overcome multiple challenges and has found a support system in the form of the girls varsity basketball coach. 

Jeremiah Smith was born with arthrogryposis, which causes him physical disabilities in his arms and legs. Lady Pioneer Head Coach Scott Morris first met Smith in his Lifetime Fitness class and was impressed with his positivity. 

“When you see any kid, regardless of their circumstances, with the positive attitude he’s got, it just humbles everybody,” Morris said. 

Morris wanted to get Smith involved in sports, so he offered Smith to be one of the girls basketball managers. Smith also showed an interest in golf, so Morris took Smith under his wing and signed him up for a couple golf tournaments this spring. 

“We just took it on our own, but this is really him driving this thing,” Morris said. “I’m just kind of helping him to get where he needs to go”.

Smith has been playing golf for one year now and said he likes the patience that it teaches him. He is grateful to coach Morris for getting him into golf.  

“I love him,” Smith said about Coach Morris. 

Smith has played in two golf tournaments this semester and said he has improved since he started. 

“My first tournament was okay, but my second one was so much better,” Smith said.

According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, arthrogryposis is a term used to describe a variety of conditions involving multiple joint stiffness and limited motion. 

Smith said it’s important to stay positive even through the challenges. 

“Being positive means a lot to me,” Smith said. “Being nice to everyone is why I stay positive all the time.”