ITHACA, N.Y. -- Tara Smith, who led one of the most successful turnarounds in recent program history, has been named the full-time Jan Rock Zubrow '77 Head Coach of Softball. Dr. Nicki Moore, the Meakem Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education, made the announcement on Tuesday.
"Tara has earned this opportunity through her unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, her leadership and intentionality with the team, and the results she has helped achieve both on and off the field," Moore said. "In her first season at the helm, she operated with a clear vision for success while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and care. We are so pleased to remove the interim title and officially name her the Jan Rock Zubrow '77 Head Coach of Softball. The future of Cornell Softball is very bright under her leadership."
"I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Nicki Moore and Laura Sgrecci for their trust and belief in me as I transition into this role full-time," Smith said. "It has been an honor to lead this program and I look forward to the opportunity to continue building upon the foundation that we have laid over the last year. I'm especially grateful for our student athletes, whose resilience and dedication inspires me everyday. This team embraces challenges, supports one another and always strives to be the best version of themselves on and off the field. I look forward to all that lies ahead for Cornell Softball, and I especially look forward to connecting with our alumnae from across the decades of this program's rich history. Together, I believe we can do great things!"
In her first full season at the helm of the Big Red in 2026, Smith guided the program to its most wins since 2013 while increasing the team's overall victory total by five games and Ivy League win total by two. Cornell rewrote the program record book under her leadership, setting single-season school records for on-base percentage (.421), walks (156) and stolen bases (61), while posting the second-highest batting average (.346) and slugging percentage (.536) in program history. The Big Red also recorded its best fielding percentage since 2018.
A member of the Cornell coaching staff since 2019, Smith has played an instrumental role in developing some of the Ivy League's premier offensive talent. Under her guidance this season, Lauren Holt became the program's first Ivy League Player of the Year since 2010 and set a league record with 19 home runs in 2026. Five Big Red players earned All-Ivy honors, including first-team selection and all-region honoree Tarisa Frans.
Smith brings more than 15 years of collegiate and international coaching experience to the position. In addition to her seven seasons on the Cornell staff, she has served as head coach of the Great Britain U18 National Team since 2021 and previously held assistant coaching positions at Pacific, Colgate and San Francisco State.
A standout player at Tennessee-Chattanooga, Smith was a four-year starter who remains fourth in program history with 258 career hits. She also ranks among the school's all-time leaders in single-season runs and hits and still holds the program record for recording two triples in a game, a feat she accomplished five times during her career.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"Tara is the perfect choice for the Cornell softball program. She has passion for the game, is a great recruiter, but most importantly she is an exceptional person. She has the ability to build strong, authentic relationships with her student-athletes, and her leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact. Cornell is fortunate to have Tara at the helm."
Jessica Bump - Head Coach, Binghamton University
"Tara is a tremendous coach with extensive experience in the high-academic softball world. She is a true competitor and a fierce advocate for her student-athletes. Her passion for the game and her ability to connect and communicate with the student-athletes will serve the Cornell softball community well. I am so proud to see her in this role, and I know she will do a fantastic job."
Melissa Finley, Head Coach, Swarthmore College
"Tara is a true professional whose impact extends far beyond the field. Her commitment to her players and the game is unmatched, and she approaches every aspect of coaching with integrity, purpose, and a genuine investment in player development. Cornell is gaining a leader who cares deeply about doing things the right way while creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive."
Tara Henry, Head Coach, Great Britain Senior National Team
"I couldn't be happier to see Tara earn this opportunity. She is a tireless worker, an outstanding recruiter and a very knowledgeable coach in all areas of the game. She has a unique ability to connect with student-athletes and is a coach who truly invests in the development of her players both on and off the field. Her energy, character, and commitment to helping players succeed make her an exceptional leader and an ideal head coach. Cornell is fortunate to have her leading the program, and I look forward to watching the program thrive under her leadership for years to come."
Melissa Inouye - Head Coach, Fordham University
"Congratulations to Tara on being named head coach. She is a tremendous leader, an outstanding coach, and someone who cares deeply about her student-athletes. This opportunity is well deserved, and I have no doubt she will have a positive impact on her program and the Ivy League. I look forward to competing against her in the years ahead."
Jennifer Teague - Head Coach, Columbia University
