Release courtesy of Ursinus Athletic Communications
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – Rachel Smith has been chosen as the new head coach of the Ursinus College women's lacrosse program, Director of Athletics and Recreation Laura Moliken announced Wednesday.
"We are confident that Rachel will make a very successful addition to Team Ursinus," Moliken said. "We were extremely pleased with the strength of the candidate pool; there was great experience, enthusiasm and professionalism from all those we spoke with and interviewed. Rachel's ability to articulate a vision and plan for the future success of the program made her an outstanding choice."
Smith joins Ursinus from DeSales University, where she was named the school's first-ever women's lacrosse head coach in 2015. She guided the Bulldogs to five wins in each of the program's first two seasons before breaking through in 2019, when she earned MAC Freedom Coach of the Year honors after steering the squad to a 10-8 overall mark and appearances in the MAC Freedom tournament and the ECAC championship. The Bulldogs went 3-3 during the 2020 campaign, giving Smith a total of 23 wins in her three-and-a-half seasons.
Smith coached one all-region player, a pair of first team all-conference performers, and seven second team all-conference selections at DeSales.
"It is an honor to be named the next women's lacrosse head coach at Ursinus, and to be a part of Coaches' Row," Smith said. "The storied history of this program and the college is unparalleled, and I cannot wait to get to know all of our Bear student-athletes, staff, faculty, and alumnae. My goal for UCWLAX is to find success in the classroom, on the field, and in life. Laura's leadership and vision for the department really sold me on why it is so special to be a part of Team Ursinus. I want to thank Laura and the entire search committee for being so helpful during this process, and especially Kevin Small for making me feel so comfortable!"
Before her time at DeSales, Smith spent two years as a graduate assistant at Stevenson, helping the Mustangs to a 25-13 cumulative record and the program's first MAC Commonwealth championship in 2014. While with Stevenson, she helped coach two first team all-region players, seven All-MAC Commonwealth honorees, and a MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year.
Smith has also coached the T3 club program since 2015, currently leading the 2021 team as head coach. She has served on the IWLCA Regional Advisory Committee and the IWLCA Division III All-America Committee since 2016.
As an undergraduate, Smith was a three-year member of the women's lacrosse team at the University of Florida, where she was part of the top-ranked recruiting class for the inaugural team in 2009. She appeared in just 11 games due to injury, eventually serving as team manager as a senior. Florida won the America Lacrosse Championship in 2011 and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2012, Smith's sophomore season. She was recognized on the SEC Freshman and ALC Academic Honor Roll.
Smith graduated from Florida in 2013 with a degree in recreation, tourism, and hospitality with a specialization in event management. She earned her master's in business and technology management from Stevenson in 2015.
Smith resides in Lancaster with her fiancé, Tyrell.