‘We’re so proud, very proud.’- Papaw John Hatcher

The proud beam in Papaw John Hatcher’s blue eyes shone through Wednesday when his once little Kilyn Smith, all grown up now, signed scholarship papers with Carson-Newman University. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- Now a young lady, Kilyn Smith, still has her Papaw John Hatcher wrapped around her finger. “I remember it like yesterday when she first came home and grasped my finger,” said Papaw John Hatcher.

See the full photo gallery from WLAF’s Charlie Hutson HERE.

Left to right are Kinley Smith, Kilyn’s sister, Chollman Wyatt C-N head cheer and dance coach, Kilyn Smith, Mamaw Betty Hatcher and Papaw John Hatcher.

Hatcher and other family members joined Wednesday morning’s large crowd that gathered on Brown Court to celebrate Smith as she signed scholarship papers to cheer for the Carson-Newman Eagles. “We’re excited what the next four years bring for her (Smith). She’s such a hard worker,” said Chollman Wyatt C-N head cheer and dance coach.

See a related story about the career of Kilyn Smith HERE.

Kilyn Smith, left, with Mamaw Betty Hatcher as Kilyn signs with Carson-Newman.

“Kilyn represents us (CCHS) so well. She’s always smiling. People talk about her smile,” said Olivia Lobertini, Co-Director of Athletics for Campbell County High School.

“Betty, Mamaw, says she’s just like me,” said a smiling Papaw Hatcher. He adds that we couldn’t ask for a better child.

“I’ve known Kilyn since my first head coaching position at La Follette Middle School, my first team. Carson-Newman is getting a good athlete and a good person in Kilyn,” said Audra Wilson, Campbell High Head Cheer Coach.

Kilyn Smith will wear the orange and blue of Carson-Newman next season, the same colors of her beloved Cougars.

“I’ve missed some of her games over the years because of work, but I’m going to do my best to get to as many of her games as I can at Carson-Newman,” said Papaw Hatcher. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-01/30/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)

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