Clarksville, Ark.-Erin Smith was named the new assistant softball coach, it was announced by Athletic Director Jimmy Clark Wednesday.
Smith, a native of Halls, Tennessee, was the assistant coach at Southwest Tennessee Community College during the 2015 season helping the Saluqis to a 25-win season. During her one season there, three members of the team made the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Scholar-Athlete Team. Prior to that, Smith served as an assistant at Dyersburg State Community College.
"Erin brings great energy and an outstanding knowledge of the game to our program," said head coach Roland Rodriguez. "I am excited to work with someone who is enthusiastic about the development and growth of our student-athletes. She enjoys being at the field and is motivated to work. She wants to be involved with the community and the area."
Smith played two seasons at Jackson State Community College and then starred at Mid-Continent University for two seasons. Smith earned All-NCCAA Mid-East Region Second Team and Honorable Mention All-Midwest Conference as a senior. She batted .344 and led the team in hits, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in and slugging percentage. As a pitcher, she led the staff in wins, earned run average and innings pitched. Her junior season, Smith was named to the All-TranSouth Conference First Team and was selected as the TranSouth Newcomer of the Year.
"She coached within the Arkansas Angels organization, so she has recruiting exposure in the south," Rodriguez added. "Those types of ties will assist with our efforts to bring in student-athletes who fit our program. She will work directly with pitchers and catchers and be involved with all aspects of the program."
She received her bachelor's degree in behavioral health from Mid-Continent University in 2014. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in sports management from Missouri Baptist University.
Smith played at Halls High School where she was a three-time All-District player during her prep career.
