The volleyball community of The Bahamas, and local sports in general, was hit hard on Monday as popular player and coach DeVince Smith became the latest victim of tragedy in the deadliest year in the history of The Bahamas.
According to Chief Superintendent of Police Paul Rolle, it is too early in the investigation to determine the cause of death, but from all indications, Smith appeared to be the victim of blunt force trauma to the head. He was found by a relative inside his residence on St. Alban's Drive around 2:30 p.m. yesterday. Smith, who was employed at Pictet Bank & Trust Ltd., lived in an apartment complex just south of the Colony Club Resort alone. According to police, there appears to be no forced entry.
"He was just a nice person, and fun to be around," said Bahamas Volleyball Federation (BVF) President Joe Smith yesterday. "Vince was one of those persons who really cared about the development of volleyball in the country and sports in general. We served together in volleyball for a very long time. It's just very unfortunate. It's shocking. He was very energetic and very helpful. He was always smiling and willing to do the work of volleyball in the country to get us to the next level.
"In addition to being my cousin, he's a good personal friend. We were like brothers in the sporting world -- just one family in volleyball."
BVF President Smith was a personal and professional mentor to DeVince. He brought him in volleyball, trained him, made sure he got certified as a coach and brought him into volleyball administration. DeVince Smith is the immediate past president of the New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) and served as BVF Vice President under Joe Smith. He played and coached with the Scotiabank Defenders volleyball club, and is a former member of the Intruders organization.
Nationally, DeVince Smith was one of the coaches in charge of the junior development program, and also served as head coach of The Bahamas' senior men's national team. He was also one of the founders of the Scotiabank 'Defend Ya Spike' Volleyball Classic -- a summer volleyball tournament featuring local and international teams. Additionally, Smith is a former Icon Awards nominee for volleyball. He was involved in volleyball in the country for almost 30 years.
"We just came from practice on Saturday at Donald Davis. We went to get some ham and turkey for my church, and then we parted ways," said Pastor Joe Smith. "It's just a sad day for volleyball, and a sad day for sports in the country. We were preparing to bring a ladies team here to play January 6 and 7, and he told me that he would get the confirmation and get back to me on Monday.
"Today (Monday), I was waiting to hear from him. I text him and didn't get a response, and then I got a text saying that he had fell down. At first, I figured it was just a normal collapse. It's just one of those things you never expect."
DeVince Smith, who served on the national level as a coach for the past 10 to 12 years, is reported to be in his early 40s. He had one son. The Nassau Guardian sports team extends condolences to his family and friends in this most difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.
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