Although many Patriots are excited to graduate and move on to a new chapter in their lives, some of them find themselves back in Renton right at Liberty High School. That was the story of Gabby Smith and Cameron Talley, two Liberty alumni that now coach two of Liberty’s teams.

Smith, a Liberty alumnus, works as the assistant coach for boys’ and girls’ swim and dive. Once a swimming hater, she found her love for the sport through club swimming and summer league. 

“Swimming is very mental,” Smith said. “It’s really helped me look past my mental struggles and take responsibility to strive for the best but accept where I am now.”

Since she graduated in 2014, Smith has had many coaching opportunities including coaching alongside USA Olympic coach Milt Nelms where she learned new swim techniques.

Outside of coaching, Smith works at a non-profit school for autistic and behaviorally challenged children.

“It’s so fun trying new ways to help these kids prepare to be school-ready,” Smith said. “We work on their social skills and body language. It’s very rewarding”

Another Patriot alumni coach is Cameron Talley, the offensive coordinator for Liberty’s football team. He began his coaching career with baseball during his junior year at Linfield University. He then went on to coach baseball for six years at Liberty and this is his ninth year as a coach for the football team. 

“I played football growing up from age seven to high school and I just loved it,” Talley said. “I had a passion for the sport and playing in high school furthered that passion.” 

Outside of coaching, Talley teaches World History to 9th graders and U.S. History to 11th graders.

“Playing and coaching football gave me the opportunity to mature and give back to the community which was a big integral in me becoming who I am.”