Softball
- Title:
- Associate Head Coach
- Email:
- asmith@athletics.msstate.edu
Associate Head Coach Annie Smith enters her 15th year as a collegiate softball coach, her ninth season at Mississippi State and her 15th as an assistant to head coach Jay Miller, officially joining the Bulldog staff on Aug. 26, 2002.
Smith's duties include, but are not limited to, hitting and defense instruction, recruiting coordination, administration and practices, travel coordination, camp co-direction, assistance in the implementing of MSU Softball's strength/conditioning program, and assisting in the fundraising and promotion of the program.
"Annie is crucial to our success," Miller said. "Annie has been with me for the last 15 years and knows what I want from our team practice-wise, on-the-field and off-the-field. She is a certified strength and conditioning coach who does a good job of making sure our players are in the shape that they need to be in order to compete at this level.
"I've seen her really progress as a coach over the years. She's done a great job being in every aspect of coaching, and I think she is a big plus for our ballclub."
Smith's formal introduction to Miller came during the 1995-96 year when she volunteered helping in various aspects of the Missouri program. The next year, she served as a regular staff member at Missouri's softball camps and clinics and as a graduate teaching assistant in the Missouri Health and Exercise Sciences department. In July of 1996, she was hired full time as a graduate assistant coach on Miller's staff, where she was involved in all phases of the Black and Gold program, including the upkeep and maintenance of the Missouri softball stadium.
"I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside coach Miller," Smith said. "He has given me the opportunity to mature and grow as a coach, and I am very appreciative of all that I have learned."
Since joining Miller's staff full time, Smith has also been instrumental in fundraising efforts for both the Missouri and Mississippi State softball programs, including organizing the Diamond Club, volunteer work in the community, speaking to groups and running clinics to promote the sport and the University and designing newsletters and websites.
Smith is also instrumental in keeping track of all Mississippi State softball alumni and contacting them for future annual Fall Alumni games and Alumni Recognition Days in the Spring. In addition, she writes, edits and produces the Bulldog Diamond Club newsletter which is then distributed to all members of the Mississippi State Softball Diamond Club.
"Annie is as much a part of this program as I am," Miller said. "She is a tireless worker and the glue that holds everybody together around here. She has developed into an outstanding hitting coach and does a good job developing our young hitters. She is a big reason for our success."
A three-year player at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, Smith earned Most Improved honors in 1993. Primarily a second and third baseman for the Pioneers, she was elected team co-captain prior to her senior season.
Smith received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology from Grinnell in 1995. While at Missouri, she completed her coursework for a Masters of Education degree in Health and Exercise Sciences with an emphasis in Sports Psychology in 2002 while maintaining a 3.85 cumulative GPA.
"I enjoy being able to work with some of the best players and coaches in the nation day after day," Smith said. "Having the opportunity to see players grow on and off the field as they apply their experiences of playing softball to everyday life makes my job very enjoyable."
The daughter of Robin and Carolyn Smith of College Station, Texas, was born July 22, 1974, in Pasadena, Calif. Her hobbies include softball, reading, working out and shopping. Smith is currently single.
Coaching Career
- 1996-99: Graduate Assistant Coach, University of Missouri
- 1999-2002: Assistant Coach, University of Missouri
- 2002-present: Assistant Coach, Mississippi State University
Playing Career
- Three-year player at Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA)
- Captained her team in 1995
- A three-year Spirit Award winner and the Most Improved Player in 1993.
