After three seasons as an assistant coach of the New York University women’s swimming team, Lauren Smith begins her first season as head coach of the program in 2004-05.
A 1999 cum laude graduate of NYU’s College of Arts and Science with a degree in nutrition and dietetics, Smith was a four-year member of the Violets’ swimming team. She earned Academic All-America honors twice and established various individual and relay records in her specialties of the breaststroke and individual medley. Smith also received the NYU Founder’s Day Award for Outstanding Athletic and Academic Achievement, and was named NYU Freshman Athlete of the Year in 1996.
In her final year as assistant coach, Smith helped lead the Violets to a 7-3 dual meet record, a third-place finish at the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, and a fifth-place finish at the University Athletic Association Championships. She also helped produce an NCAA All-American, sophomore Erika Norris.
Prior to joining the NYU coaching staff, Smith spent one year as an assistant at the University of San Diego. She has also accumulated coaching experience in Master’s Swimming and U.S.S. Age Group.
Smith, who will also maintain her responsibilities as an assistant manager at the Palladium Athletic Facility Natatorium, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports business administration from NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.
A native of Albany, Oregon, Smith currently resides in Manhattan.
