JoEllen Maginity Smith '78

Inducted 2018

JoEllen Maginity Smith ‘78 - in 2013, the Argus Press identified JoEllen Maginity Smith as one of the 10 most influential sports figures in Shiawassee County.  A three-sport standout, lettering in basketball, volleyball, and softball, JoEllen is in her fifth decade as a staple in Owosso athletic history. As an athlete, coach, and OHS athletic department administrative assistant, Jo has built an impressive resume.  As a softball prep, Maginity was a three-time All Big-9 pitcher, leading the Trojans to the district championship in her sophomore year.

The April 1978 Argus-Press athlete of the week continued her playing career at Grand Valley State, holding many places in the record books, including: season ERA (0.58 in 1980), career ERA (1.34 1979-1982), and career hits allowed (167 from 1979-1982 - 2nd all-time). Jo’s playing accolades also include an ASA Class A National Championship in 1992, and a 1999 induction into the Michigan Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame.  

Professionally, JoEllen is the second coach (Pauline “Denny” Hill) to lead the Trojan softball program and has for the past 36 seasons. In that time, she has established herself as the winningest high school softball coach in the history of the Flint area, and currently sits on the state’s all time wins list at number 20. She is also a 2019 inductee into the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

JoEllen is married to Terry Smith and they are proud parents of daughters Bridget and Molly.