Field Hockey
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- kesmither@bsu.edu
- Phone:
- 765-285-5165
Kelsey Smither was appointed as assistant coach of the Ball State field hockey program in January 2016.
"We are very fortunate to have Kelsey join our coaching staff. She brings a ton of knowledge and excitement to the game," Ball State field hockey head coach Christy Longacre said. "Kelsey’s very passionate about the student-athletes and she really wants to improve her athletes not only on the field but off of it."
Smither, was named a two-time All-American by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association at Old Dominion University, marked six goals, 44 assists and a total of 56 points in her career as a midfielder and defender. She completed her playing career in 2014.
“I want to thank the administration and Christy for this opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited to join the Ball State field hockey program and assist in developing well-rounded women in the classroom and on the field,” Smither said. “I was fortunate enough to have played alongside Christy at Old Dominion for two years, so I know working with her as a coach will be a great learning experience and we can bring this team to the next level.”
Smither was an NFHCA Scholar Athlete of the Year award winner and the ODU Alumni Association’s Female Athlete of the Year recipient as a senior. She was named to the U.S. U-21 Junior World Cup Team after competing in the U.S. U-21 National Championship her junior year.
In 2011, Smither was named the WomensFieldHockey.com National Rookie of the Year and CAA Rookie of the Year. She was a three-time All-Conference selection, including twice in the Big East and once in the CAA.
The Suffolk, Virginia native was a three-time Southeastern District Player of the Year and three-time All-State selection at Lakeland High School. She set the national high school record for career assists with 124.
Smither earned her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Old Dominion in 2014, and will complete her master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management this May.
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