Bio

Markita Smith graduated from Smiths Station High School (Smiths, AL). It is here where she began running her junior year. She was an AHSAA state champion and the first female from Smiths Station High School to receive a Full Athletic Scholarship to a four-year institution, Auburn University, earning her the “Key to the City.” While at Auburn, she became the SEC Track Runner of the Week, 3 Time All American (Outdoor), 2 Time All American (Indoor), fastest time in the SEC in 400mH, still holds current school record, was ranked 7th in the World and 2nd among Americans in 2006, broke a 10 Year school record in 2006, NCAA Outdoor Champion, was a part of the 2006 NCAA Championship Team (1st time ever for the Women’s Team), Regional Champion, and 4 Time Letter Winner all while at Auburn. After graduating from Auburn, Markita signed a contract with NIKE to become a professional athlete. She made international success, competing in places such as: Rome, Berlin, Thessalonica, Madrid, Switzerland, Greece, Monaco, Osaka, Belgium, Brazil, and Frankfurt, to name a few. She also competed in the Olympic Trials as well. Upon retiring from running, Markita went on to become the Head Girls Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at her Alma Mater, Smiths Station High School, from 2015-2022. Many boys and girls became Sectional and State Champions, as well as runner ups; they also went on to continue their running careers on the collegiate level. In June 2022, Markita began the inaugural Cross Country Men’s and Women’s teams at Southern Union State Community College on the Opelika campus. Both programs have made stellar performances and in 2023, both teams competed in the NJCAA Championships! Markita looks forward to continuing to grow and develop both programs, and meeting the needs of the Student-Athlete. 

Markita is married to her husband, Mortez Smith, and they have one son, Brenlin Smith. She is also an 8th degree Senior Master Black Belt in Taekwondo, and the senior pastor at Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance.