Field Hockey | 5/20/2019 9:26:00 AM

ITHACA, N.Y. – Andy Noel, The Meakem*Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, has announced that Andy Smith has been tabbed to lead the Cornell field hockey program. Smith, a former member of the US Women's National Team coaching staff, comes to East Hill following a highly successful six-year tenure at the University of the Pacific.
 
"I am most impressed with the will and determination Andrew exudes," said Noel. "He certainly brings the knowledge of tactics and strategies that are required and his focus on recruiting and player development suggests a considerable impact on our program."
 
In his six years with the Tigers, Smith posted a combined record of 61-57 overall as well as a mark of 22-14 in conference play. He led Pacific to four regular season conference titles, and his 2016 squad set the school record for most wins and most goals scored in a single season.
 
Under his tutelage the Tigers had 22 all-conference selections, including four conference player of the year as well as five All-America honorees. He also had five student-athletes selected to participate in FIH World level events.   
 
Smith was also instrumental in fundraising for the completion of the Tigers' new field hockey facility.
 
"It is a massive honor to be named the head coach at Cornell," said Smith. "I am incredibly grateful to Andy Noel and Amy Foster for the chance they have given me to lead this program. I truly believe that with the support in place and the excitement around Cornell field hockey we can build a championship level program in Ithaca." 
 
Prior to his time at Pacific, Smith spent a combined 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Cal and Dartmouth, including six seasons as associate head coach under Amy Fowler for the Big Green. In his time at Dartmouth, Smith helped guide the Big Green to five top-three finishes in the Ivy League.
 
"I want to extend a special thanks to Ted Leland and Janet Lucas for their support and mentorship over the years," said Smith. "As well as Dartmouth's Amy Fowler and Brian Austin, who have also been incredible mentors to me, and gave me the opportunity to be a coach, mentor, and a role model back in 2002. I am thrilled to start this new chapter in my life and I am looking forward to continuing my coaching journey at Cornell."
 
Smith spent a decade with USA Field Hockey, coaching in various capacities, including a 13-0 run with the national team as he served as a drag flick coach and consultant. He was also an assistant coach for the U20 and U23 squads and served as the Director of the Olympic Development selection camps in June 2003 and 2004.
 
A 2005 graduate of The Open University in the United Kingdom, Smith holds the highest coaching diploma in his native country and is one of a handful of U.S.-based coaches to hold a High Performance Coaching Certificate from the FIH.