Coach Smith's Still Successful (Part 1)

Life Before Bellarmine

Before David Smith's name was ever mentioned in the same sentence as Bellarmine, he was making a name for himself elsewhere. "When I first started, I didn't think about what was going to happen the next 20 years," stated Smith. "The goal is to just win the next game." And that he did.

Smith started his college-coaching career at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., where he founded the first women's basketball team in school history in 1976. Not only was he the founder, but he also led the Pumas to three GLVC crowns and two
Regional titles. He was well rewarded for his efforts by being named GLVC Coach of the Year three times during his reign at Saint Joseph's.

Smith moved from Saint Joseph's to Pennsylvania to start another basketball empire at Shippensburg University. "I’d say the main goal is to win a national championship," said Smith. "We go out every year with the possibility at arms reach."

Although he has not won a national championship, he did lead four of his teams to the Big Dance, with his 1996 team being the national runner-up while his 1998 team made it to the Elite Eight. Along the way, Smith's team grabbed three PSAC championships, while he achieved personal success with three PSAC Coach of the Year awards.

Bellarmine Achievements

"He is very intense and passionate about his job. The things he does and says only make people better because he demands success," stated Lindsey Peetz, a current assistant under Smith. His record and accolades show evidence that his demands are being met.

Coach Smith's career record is 499-205. One win away from a record making 500 wins could be a disappointing scenario to end a season with. Although, Coach Smith is still very optimistic stating, "My 500th win is just a number. If it was my last year then I could see why I would be a little disappointed. But I have many years to come and hope to reach my 600th and 700th win."

Coach Smith’s most recent honor is making the list of the best women’s coaches in the NCAA. “It’s just a list. I go out everyday just to win the next game,” replied Smith about receiving the honor.

The list includes many prestigious coaches including Tennessee’s Pat Summit, and Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma. There were five different categories that NCAA coaches could have made the list through. Smith made the list because his career winning percent is 70.9, .9% higher then it had to be.