University of Hartford Director of Athletics & Recreation Alicia Queally announced that Jackie Smith ’11 is returning to the University of Hartford as the next head coach of the women’s basketball program.
“We are excited to welcome Jackie Smith back home to the University of Hartford. It is clear that she has a passion for UHart and will lead the women’s basketball program with integrity and influential leadership. She came into the interview process with a clear vision for leading the team into its next chapter. I am excited for our current and future Hawks to be surrounded by her positive energy and ability to coach and inspire her players to become the best versions of themselves both on the court and off.”
Smith returns to West Hartford following a six-year stint at Connecticut College where she was the head coach and the department’s NCAA Representative for Diversity and Inclusion. During her tenure in New London, Smith led the Camels to two NESCAC playoff runs, while getting over 30 athletes on NESCAC All-Academic Teams.
“I want to thank Alicia Queally and the entire hiring committee for their time and belief in me throughout this process”, said Smith. “Having the opportunity to lead the program I once played for is an incredible honor. I’m especially excited to reconnect with our alumni and uphold the foundation they helped build. I can’t wait to start working with our current student-athletes—getting to know them, building relationships, and working together toward our goals. Hartford is in a great position to build on its momentum, and I’m committed to giving the women in our program the same transformative experience I had during my time here.”
Prior to being a head coach at Connecticut College, Smith was the top assistant at George Washington University. During her tenure the Colonels most notably advanced to the 2018 NCAA Tournament by winning the Atlantic 10 Conference as well as making the 2017 WNIT Tournament in her first season. At George Washington, Smith served as the program’s recruiting coordinator while also developing three all-conference selections, a sixth man of the year recipient and a A10 tournament MVP.
Prior to George Washington, Smith was at Hartford as an assistant coach from 2013-2016. During the three years back in West Hartford, Smith helped developed five all-conference team players, sixth man of the year winner, and recruited the 2016 rookie-of-the-year. She also organized the first women’s basketball alumni game.
Smith began her coaching career as an assistant coach for two seasons at Stonehill College for two seasons. During her time with the Skyhawks the women’s basketball team held a record of 37-19, with two NCAA tournament appearances.
A key figure in one of the most successful eras in Hartford women’s basketball history, Smith was a two-time team captain for Head Coach Jennifer Rizzotti’s squads from 2007 to 2011. During her time in a Hawks uniform, she helped guide the program to two America East Conference championships, two-time America East Regular Season champion, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament victory—a first-round win over Syracuse in 2008.
With Smith playing a central role, the Hawks compiled an impressive 92-39 overall record, achieved their first national top 25 ranking, and soared as high as No. 19 in the AP poll in 2010. As a junior, Smith earned a spot on the America East All-Conference Third Team and capped off her senior campaign by leading the league in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5) while ranking third in assists per game (3.5). By the end of her career, Smith etched her name in the Hawks’ record books, ranking 2nd in career free throw percentage (.815), 6th in 3-point field goals made (107), 7th in assists (292) and 8th in games played (122).
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education with a minor in sociology from Hartford in 2011 and is a native of Westfield, Massachusetts.
