Janelle Smith

Sports Reporter · Plano, TX

Janelle Smith, a graduate of the University of North Texas, has spent 8 years covering high school sports in Collin County, and has a knack for highlighting young talent. Her previous work at the McKinney Courier-Gazette has honed her eye for the dramatic moments that define athletic competition. Janelle's deep-rooted connections with local schools allow her to tell not just the scores, but the stories behind the games.

2 stories from Janelle Smith in Plano

Children receiving flu vaccinations in a community clinic

Health

Early flu spike hits North Texas children: What parents need to know about rising cases

As the sun dipped below the horizon in Plano, the vibrant colors of autumn leaves danced in the evening breeze, but inside homes across the city, a different kind of concern was brewing. Parents, once focused on the joys of the season, now found themselves in a state of heightened vigilance as...

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Freddie James coaching on the sidelines during a high school football game.

Schools

Legendary Dallas high school football coach dies at age 89

On a crisp autumn evening, the sound of a whistle piercing the air mingled with the roar of cheering fans. It was a time when Friday nights belonged to high school football, and one name echoed louder than most: Freddie James. As the head coach of Carter High School's football team, James led his...

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