The Leaders Who Set the Standard
Apex Basketball was built from a lifelong love of the game and a shared belief that basketball can shape far more than an athlete’s ability on the court.
Founded by Kacey and Joshua Smith, Apex is rooted in experience, leadership, family, and a commitment to developing athletes the right way.
Our journey together began in 2004 at a Memphis Grizzlies basketball camp. What started with a shared passion for basketball has grown into more than two decades of playing, coaching, teaching, and investing in the next generation of athletes.
Today, that experience comes together through Apex — a program created to challenge athletes, develop confidence, build character, and create an environment where players and families feel they truly belong.
The People Behind Apex
KACEY SMITH
Co-Founder | Coach | Player Development
Kacey’s connection to athletics began long before Apex.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in competitive sports and coaching, she grew up with a firsthand understanding of the discipline, preparation, sacrifice, and leadership required to develop successful athletes. As the daughter of the late legendary college football coach Joe Lee Dunn and the daughter of two former Division I athletes and longtime coaches, competition and coaching have always been part of her foundation.
With more than two decades of experience around the game, Kacey brings a player-first approach to Apex. Her focus extends beyond teaching skills and systems — she believes in understanding the athlete, building confidence, developing basketball IQ, and helping young women recognize their potential.
Her vision for Apex is deeply personal: create the kind of environment where athletes are pushed to grow, supported through challenges, and prepared for life beyond basketball.
JOSHUA SMITH
Co-Founder | Director | Coach
Joshua brings a natural leadership mindset to everything he does.
With more than 20 years of experience playing, coaching, and teaching basketball, he understands that strong teams are built through preparation, accountability, communication, and trust.
That same leadership extends into his professional career, where he serves as a Director of Operations, leading teams and overseeing operations at a global supply chain company. His experience managing people, systems, and complex day-to-day operations brings another level of structure and organization to Apex.
As a coach and co-founder, Joshua believes in setting a standard — one that challenges athletes to work hard, be accountable, compete with purpose, and understand that success is built through consistency.
His leadership helps give Apex the structure to grow while keeping the focus where it belongs: the athletes.
A Family-Driven Foundation
For Kacey and Joshua, Apex is more than a basketball organization.
They are parents of four amazing children. This perspective gives them a unique understanding of what families experience when they place their trust in a program.
They know the investment that comes with competitive youth basketball. They know the early mornings, long drives, tournament weekends, financial commitment, emotional highs and lows, and the pride that comes with watching a child grow.
That is why family is at the heart of Apex.
We want our athletes to know they are valued as people first. We want every player who comes through Apex to leave with more than basketball skills.
Confidence. Discipline. Resilience. Leadership. Relationships.
Those are the things that last.
