With a track record of success in sports administration and leadership, Courtney Smith joins Brock Sports as its new Associate Director, following her transformative role as Director of Athletics at Ridley College, where she spearheaded the development of one of the Niagara region's top athletic programs.
In her new role, Smith will lead Brock's varsity sports programs, aiming to build on the University's strong athletic culture and enhance support for its student-athletes and coaches.
Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation, shared her confidence in Smith's ability to elevate the department.
"Courtney's leadership, experience, and passion for sport will be a tremendous asset to our team," said Krist. "We are thrilled to have her on board as we continue to build a positive and supportive environment for our student-athletes."
Smith expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Brock Badgers family.
"I am beyond excited to join Brock University and support their dedicated student-athletes and coaches," said Smith. "I have seen the tremendous growth of Brock Sports over the last few years and the supportive environment Melissa and her team have built. I can't wait to work alongside coaches who are passionate about offering a high-performance experience and are committed to developing students both in and outside of the classroom."
An alumna of Queen's University and the University of San Francisco, Smith brings a comprehensive background in sport management and leadership.
At Ridley College, she oversaw 65 athletic teams and four unique prep programs, managing all aspects of operations, from budgeting and communications to event execution. Her tenure saw Ridley's athletic program reach new heights, including its designation as a Hockey Canada accredited school and its membership in the Ontario Women's Hockey League.
Smith's leadership was particularly impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she remodeled Ridley's athletic programs to adapt to various learning environments, ensuring students remained active and engaged. Post pandemic, she played a pivotal role in bringing major athletic championships back to Ridley's campus.
Her accomplishments were further recognized when she was elected to the Executive Committee of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), where she assisted in the governance and administration of its 38 member schools and their athletic programs.
At Brock, Smith's immediate goals include building strong relationships within the community and providing unwavering support for the coaching staff.
"My job is to provide the resources and support needed for them to do so," Smith said. "I want our coaches to have the ability to fully focus on their student-athletes."
