Fremont High builds fitness center
for women in memory of Lola Smith

By Terence Christopher

Fremont High School will honor legendary women’s basketball coach Lola Smith on May 28 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. during an event to kick off the building of a new fitness center for women. This will be one of the first fitness centers for women built on an Oakland Unified School District campus.
   “I wanted to create equal opportunity and resources for ladies,” said Terry-T Butler, who coached with Smith prior to her 1996 passing. Butler is hosting the event with the support of Urban Services YMCA, which donated over $10,000 in equipment and weights.
    Smith was a woman of class both on and off the court. She set the standard for women’s basketball in Oakland. In 1988- 1989, Smith made history by winning the first women’s Division I state championship in Northern California. As the athletic director, Smith also captured 10 straight OAL basketball titles while coaching volleyball and teaching physical education at Fremont High.
    The showcase event will feature music, food, fitness workshops, health clinics and giveaways. Former players for Smith, Fremont alumni and community supporters are encouraged to attend.
    For more information, contact Butler at (510) 680-8974 or tbutlermusic@yahoo.com.