Hofstra University named West Babylon High School alumni Shannon Smith, a three-time first-team lacrosse All-American at Northewestern University, as the head coach of their women's lacrosse team on July 31st.
Smith is the ninth head coach in the history of the Hofstra women’s lacrosse program, replacing Abby Morgan who resigned after six seasons at the helm. Hofstra University plays in the NCAA Division I's Colonial Athletic Association.
“I am extremely excited that Shannon Smith is joining the Hofstra University family as our head women’s lacrosse coach,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway in a release. “Shannon’s strong ties in the Long Island lacrosse community, combined with her superior leadership ability, extremely competitive nature, and extensive playing experience at the highest level, will be a tremendous asset as we work to develop Hofstra women’s lacrosse into a nationally-recognized elite program."
"I am extremely thankful to Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz and Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff Hathaway for giving me the opportunity to lead the Hofstra women's lacrosse program," said Smith in the press release. “Hofstra is a phenomenal institution that strives for excellence in academics and athletics and I look forward to helping provide our student-athletics with a great experience in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community."
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Smith called the position "an honor and a privledge," especially since it allowed her to return to Long Island.
"The lacrosse facilities and resources in place at Hofstra are amongst the best in the nation and combined with the great academic climate and beautiful campus I am confident the future is bright for the Hofstra women’s lacrosse program," she said.
Smith, 22, is one of the youngest coaches in the history of the sport. Her long-heralded and decorated career began at West Babylon High School, holding multiple records including career points (729), career goals (505) and single-season goals (129 during the 2006 season). After graduating, she went on to play at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois and continued her domination of the sport, compiling three NCAA titles, three All-American honors (2010–2012) and the lacrosse Honda Award. In her 91 career games in college, she scored 254 goals, 108 assists and 362 points.
Her charitable work is especially notable throughout West Babylon after she held lead a group of counselors at the South Bay Elementary School Lacrosse Camp to raise over $6,000 after a fire destroyed much of the building last year.
Hofstra University's women's lacrosse team went 5-12 overall during the 2012 seasons, including a 4-3 record in-conference. The team lost in the semifinals of the Colonial Athletica Association Championship on April 27th to Towson University.
