| Title: | Director of Athletics |
| Phone: | (269) 337-7090 |
| Email: | kristens@kzoo.edu |
Kristen Smith was named Kalamazoo College’s first full-time director of athletics on June 12, 2007.
Smith came to Kalamazoo College in 1991-92 as a graduate assistant athletic trainer. She was assistant softball coach in 1992 and 1993, and became Kalamazoo College’s first full-time athletic trainer in 1994. She continued to assist the softball team before taking over as head coach in 1997, leading the Hornets to consecutive third-place finishes in the MIAA. In 1997, Kalamazoo won its first two league tournament games to advance to the tournament quarterfinals for the first time in school history.
Smith stepped down from her coaching position following the 1998 season to devote more time to the athletic training services. She became assistant director of women’s athletics in 2003 before taking over as director of women’s athletics the following year. She has taught numerous courses at the College including Nutrition and Care and Treatment of Injuries.
A native of Palos Heights, Ill., Smith earned her bachelor’s degree from Hope College in 1988. She served as an assistant coach for the Flying Dutch women’s basketball team for three seasons, including the 1989-90 national championship team. Smith earned a master’s degree in athletic training at Western Michigan University in 1992.