Utah Prep Academy Welcomes Keith Smart as New Head Coach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hurricane, UT – January 13, 2025 – Utah Prep Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Keith Smart as the new head coach of the basketball program. With a storied career that spans both collegiate and professional basketball, Coach Smart brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a championship mindset to the Utah Prep family. His addition marks an exciting new chapter for our team and community.
“Keith Smart is a game-changer,” said AJ Dybantsa, a Utah Prep team captain and No. 1 prospect in the ESPN 100. “Having someone with his experience and knowledge is incredible. I’m excited to learn from him and grow as a player and a person. This is going to be a special season.”
Coach Smart is best known for his iconic game-winning shot in the 1987 NCAA Championship and his extensive coaching career, which includes head coaching roles in the NBA and assistant coaching positions with various elite teams. His proven ability to develop talent and inspire success aligns perfectly with Utah Prep’s mission to nurture student-athletes both on and off the court and be a “LaunchPad for Life for Leaders!”.
While we eagerly welcome Coach Smart, we also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coach LJ Yamzon. Over the past several years, Coach Yazmon has been an instrumental figure in elevating our basketball program to new heights. His dedication, passion, and commitment to our student-athletes have left an indelible mark on Utah Prep Academy. Thank you, Coach Yamzon, for your outstanding contributions and for setting a strong foundation for future success.
“I’m honored to join Utah Prep Academy,” said Coach Smart. “This is a program that has grown to unprecedented prominence in such a short period of time. I’m excited to build on the great work that’s already been done and help these young men achieve their goals both on and off the court.”
Enrollment for Utah Prep Academy’s basketball program is now open. Interested families are encouraged to contact Director of Admissions Angie Cazier at 435.393.0040 or via email at angie@utahprep.com for more information on registration and program details. More details can also be found at www.utahprep.com.
Utah Prep Academy also recently announced the launch of the Finau Golf Academy. This cutting-edge program is designed to cultivate the next generation of golf talent. With access to world class golf courses in Southern Utah and a curriculum that emphasizes both athletic and personal growth, the Finau Golf Academy offers students a unique opportunity to develop their skills under the guidance of top-tier coaches and mentors. This initiative further underscores Utah Prep’s commitment to excellence across many sports disciplines.
For more information, please contact:
Angie Cazier
Director of Admissions
435.393.0040
angie@utahprep.com
505 Hope Circle
Hurricane, Utah 84737
About Utah Prep Academy:
Utah Prep Academy is a “Launchpad for Life for Leaders”. At our international preparatory boarding school we strive daily to become a community where hearts are knit together in unity and love. We are an inflection point on our student athletes lives to help them reach their highest potential in many facets of their lives including athletically, academically, spiritually and socially. Located in beautiful Southern Utah next to world renown Zion National Park, Utah Prep provides the perfect setting for high school students to excel in life.
