Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Shannon Smith has announced that she is stepping down from her position to pursue a new professional opportunity. Smith will remain as head coach until her replacement is hired to ensure a smooth transition for the program and its student-athletes.

Smith, the winningest head coach in program history, concludes a highly successful 14-year tenure leading the Pride. She was named the ninth head coach in Hofstra women's lacrosse history in July 2012 and compiled 112 victories during her time in Hempstead.

"Shannon has made an incredible impact on Hofstra University and our women's lacrosse program during her 14 years as head coach," said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. "Her passion for Hofstra, her commitment to our student-athletes, and her dedication to building a program that excelled academically and athletically have been evident throughout her tenure. We are grateful for everything Shannon has given to Hofstra and wish her nothing but success and happiness in this next chapter."

Statement from Shannon Smith
"I am incredibly grateful for my 14 years at Hofstra and for every student-athlete, assistant coach, administrator, alumna, family, donor, and supporter who has been part of this journey. Coaching at Hofstra has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life. I am extremely proud of everything we accomplished together, both on and off the field, but the greatest reward has been watching the young women I have had the privilege of coaching grow as athletes, students, professionals, and people. I am especially grateful to President Susan Poser and Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. for their leadership, support, and belief in me and our program. I also want to recognize Jay Artinian, Bryan Graff, Ryan Watson, Stephen Gorchov, Ann Baller, John Considine, and Seth Tierney, who have each played a special role in my time at Hofstra and whose friendship and support have meant more to me than they know. After much reflection, I know this is the right time for me to begin a new chapter professionally. While this was an incredibly difficult decision because of how much Hofstra, this program, and the people within it mean to me, I am excited to transition into executive leadership as Chief Operating Officer at Wardroom Partners, an alternative investment platform. This opportunity will allow me to combine my leadership experience with my background in business and finance while taking on an exciting new challenge. While I am stepping away from collegiate coaching, I look forward to continuing to coach with my family's club lacrosse program, Long Island Top Guns. I leave Hofstra with tremendous gratitude and pride for what we built together, and a part of my heart will always belong to Hofstra Women's Lacrosse. I know the future of this program is incredibly bright."

Smith led Hofstra to some of the program's most memorable seasons during her tenure, highlighted by an at-large berth in the 2021 NCAA Championship, the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007.

The Pride also enjoyed outstanding success during Smith's final season at the helm. Hofstra won 10 games in 2026, finished second in the Coastal Athletic Association standings with a 6-1 conference record, and had six student-athletes earn All-CAA honors. Smith was named the CAA Coach of the Year for the second time in her career after previously earning the honor in 2015.

Smith became Hofstra's all-time wins leader during the 2025 season. Among the other highlights of her tenure, she guided the Pride to 12 victories and an appearance in the CAA Championship game in 2019 and led Hofstra to an 11-win campaign and the CAA regular season title in 2015 after a perfect 6-0 conference season.

Numerous Pride student-athletes earned national and conference recognition under Smith's leadership, including All-America honors and major CAA awards. Her teams also consistently excelled in the classroom, earning the CAA Team Academic Excellence Award in each of the past five years.

A national search for Hofstra's next head women's lacrosse coach is underway.