ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY - Bard College named Jack Smith '16 as the new Head Men's and Women's Squash Coach on Thursday. The Bard alum returns to the program following seven years working with StreetSquash and CitySquash in New York City.

"Jack distinguished himself in our search as a coach with the knowledge and ability to help our program grow and develop in the coming years," said David Lindholm, Bard's Director of Athletics and Recreation. "We're thrilled to welcome Jack back to Bard in this role, and I'm excited for him to get started working with his former coach, Craig Thorpe-Clark, the student-athletes on the teams, and the rest of our staff."

"It's truly an honor to be able to return to the program that shaped the player, coach, and person I am today," said Smith. "I'm looking forward to joining the department, meeting the student-athletes, and getting started with the teams."

Smith comes to Bard from CitySquash in the Bronx, a Squash and Education Alliance (SEA) non-profit after-school enrichment program for elementary, middle, and high school-aged students. In his various roles with CitySquash, Smith coached players from 3rd to 12th grades, worked with the organization's mentorship and fundraising programs, and developed off-court lesson plans for players.

Prior to CitySquash, Smith worked with StreetSquash in Harlem, another SEA program, where he began as the Squash Coordinator before moving up to the position of Squash Director. His role encompassed creating and coaching various individuals and teams within the program, recruiting students into StreetSquash, and other responsibilities.

A 2016 graduate of Bard with a B.A. in Film Production, Smith was a captain of the Bard squash team in the 14-15 and 15-16 seasons, and won the coaches' award during both seasons. Smith was also a member of Bard's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Bard SAAC's representative to the Liberty League. Smith is a US Squash Level II certified coach.