Boys’ basketball: Steve Smith steps down at Windward; Rod Foster is named head coach

Steve Smith has resigned as basketball coach at Windward and will be replaced immediately by former UCLA guard Rod Foster, who has been coaching youth basketball in the area, the school announced on Friday.

Smith has accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA.

Windward is 6-11 this season. Smith took over as head coach last season after being the school’s athletic director and former girls’ coach.

Windward is coming off its best win of the season, a 70-60 victory over Viewpoint. The team has struggled with injuries this season.

Foster has been running the L.A. Rockets based on the Westside and is familiar with Windward’s players.

Smith said he will continue to live in Los Angeles six months of the year and work in Windward’s alumni and advancement office during the time when the Sun’s season is complete. His son, Tyler, a sophomore, will continue to attend Windward.

“I pass on these opportunities all the time,” said Smith, who has worked in the WNBA before. “I’m going back to being a full-time pro assistant.”

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