Students, Players Fundraise After Death of Plainfield East Coach

PLAINFIELD, IL— Members of the Plainfield East High School community are raising money to help cover service and memorial costs for the family of Scott McBride, a Plainfield East freshman boys basketball coach who died recently.

Nicholas Smoldt, a former basketball player under Coach McBride, is organizing donations through GoFundMe.

"He was an amazing friend to all, brilliant coach to some, and even further, an admirable mentor," Smoldt wrote of McBride.

As of Wednesday afternoon, McBride's family and friends had raised over $16,000, surpassing the original goal of $10,000. Colleagues and other community members have submitted comments on McBride's sense of humor and constant smile along with their donations.

McBride was a campus monitor at Plainfield East and coached the Bengals for eight years. According to Plainfield East Principal Joe O'Brien, McBride was very close with his young niece.

"His athletes loved him as a coach and person because they knew he cared so much about their well-being," said O'Brien. "Staff loved Scott because he was always willing to do whatever was necessary to help and support our community."

Those who wish to donate can access the GoFundMe here. Funeral arrangements have not yet been released.

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