Spruce Creek High School mourns the loss of assistant baseball coach Adam 'Stump' Smith, who died in a car accident on May 10. Three players are set to participate in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game on May 13, honoring their coach's legacy.
Key points
Adam 'Stump' Smith died in a car accident on May 10
Three players from Spruce Creek High School are participating in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game
The game is on May 13 in Sanford
The event raises money for cancer research
Smith was a valued member of the team and community
Mentioned in this story
Adam SmithOrlando Sports Foundation
Spruce Creek High SchoolCure All-Stars Baseball Game
As Volusia County continues to mourn the loss of Spruce Creek High School assistant baseball coach, Adam "Stump" Smith after a fatal auto accident on May 10, three Creek Hawks are preparing to play in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game in Sanford on May 13.
"Coach Smith was a valued team member. Our school and community are devasted by his loss. Our hearts go out to his family during this very difficult time," Spruce Creek High School Principal Dr. Todd Sparger said in a statement to The News-Journal.
Spruce Creek High School assistant baseball coach, Adam Smith, was killed in a Port Orange crash on May 10.
Spruce Creek High School assistant baseball coach, Adam Smith, was killed in a Port Orange crash on May 10.
Hawks mourn Smith, prepare for Cure All-Stars Baseball Game
According to a GoFundMe made by Port Orange parent Blanca Christen, Smith was a New Smyrna Beach High School player and coach. Smith also coached at Deland High School, then Spruce Creek for three years. Her son, Joe Christen, was one of the high schoolers selected to play in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game.
Q&A
What happened to Spruce Creek High School coach Adam Smith?
Adam 'Stump' Smith, the assistant baseball coach at Spruce Creek High School, died in a fatal auto accident on May 10.
Who are the players representing Spruce Creek in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game?
Mason Sanders, Jordan Livingston, and Joe Christen are the players selected to represent Spruce Creek in the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game.
When is the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game taking place?
The Cure All-Stars Baseball Game is scheduled for May 13 in Sanford.
What is the purpose of the Cure All-Stars Baseball Game?
The Cure All-Stars Baseball Game raises money for cancer research and features top high school players.
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"The news has been so devastating especially for our boys (baseball players)," Blanca Christen said in an interview with The News-Journal on May 11.
The baseball team concluded their season with a 26-5 record and ranked top-20 in the state. Their 12-game winning streak ended after the regional playoff game loss to Oviedo's Hagerty High School on May 3.
While the rest of the team's season has ended, the three Hawks selected for the Cure All-Star game are still set to represent Volusia County against Lake County, giving the players little time to process Smith's passing.
"My son is a catcher, so this has hit him really hard," Blanca Christen said. Smith was also the team's catcher coach.
According to the all-star game's guidelines, the Spruce Creek players were selected at the end of their senior year of high school. Spruce Creek seniors are set to graduate on May 28.
Last year, eight Hawks were selected to represent Spruce Creek on Volusia County's team, the "Soldiers." They faced off against the Lake County "Warriors," losing 10-7.
Smith has touched the lives of people across Volusia County. As students, parents, teachers, and community members reflected on his loss, it is clear that the team will fight hard to win against Lake County at Sanford Memorial Stadium this year.
Spruce Creek High School honors Smith, provides resources for students
Spruce Creek High School's principal, Dr. Todd Sparger, held a moment of silence for Smith on May 11. The high school announced Smith's passing in an Instagram post the same day. According to the post, Smith was a "great worker, coach, and friend" who will "always be remembered for the difference he made and the lives he touched."
Spruce Creek Hawks baseball also made an Instagram post to honor Smith. Many of Smith's players, friends, and community members have commented on the coach's positive impact and sent prayers to his family.
"We love you Stump. We will never forget you. Please pray for our players, coaches, fans, and most importantly, Adam’s family," one post read.
The district sent a crisis response team to the high school on May 11, according to Chief Communications Officer for Volusia County School District Mike Micallef. They offered grief counseling and emotional support to both faculty and students.
"Throughout the school day, mental health professionals were present on campus, ensuring that support resources remain accessible to any student or staff who need them," Micallef said.
Smith's legacy inside and outside of Spruce Creek
Smith will be remembered in many different communities. Spruce Creek's head baseball coach, Matt Cleveland, spoke with The News-Journal on May 11 and said that Smith's death has shaken the entirety of Volusia County's baseball community.
Micallef added to that sentiment.
"Volusia County Schools is deeply saddened by the loss of Adam Smith and the entire Spruce Creek High School community. Adam was a cherished member of the school, and his absence is deeply felt by everyone who knew him and had the privilege of working alongside him daily," Micallef said.
New Smyrna Beach High School Principal Timothy Merrick also weighed in.
"We are saddened by the loss of Adam “Stump” Smith. Even when he was playing, we knew Adam would end up being a coach. As soon as he graduated, he began volunteering with our program and had continued to coach and mentor baseball players throughout Central Florida. Adam was a relentless, dedicated, and passionate coach who would do anything to help our kids. We pray for his family and all the lives he impacted on and off the field. Adam will forever be in our hearts."
Cleveland told The News-Journal that Smith's death was especially devastating to the players since he had such a good relationship with them a young coach.
"He was only 26, but he is the best young coach I've known," Cleveland said. "He knew the kids and he knew how to get the best out of them, and he did it quietly and respectfully."
Blanca Christen told The News-Journal that there are no services or memorials set up for Smith at this time. As of May 12, $22,005 of $20,000 has been raised through GoFundMe to cover the family's funeral expenses.
"We ask that the media and public honor the Smith family’s privacy and extend grace to our school community as they are given the time and space needed to grieve and heal," Micallef added.
A makeshift memorial for Spruce Creek High School's assistant baseball coach Adam Smith is seen on Yorktowne Boulevard in Port Orange on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
A makeshift memorial for Spruce Creek High School's assistant baseball coach Adam Smith is seen on Yorktowne Boulevard in Port Orange on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
