PHILADELPHIA – Former Penn State swimmer Lauren Smart has been hired as a graduate assistant swimming coach at La Salle, according to head coach Matt Nunnally.

“I expect Lauren will bring a lot to our program,” Nunnally said. “Lauren's experience as a swimmer at Penn State was a big factor in hiring her.  Her excitement and enthusiasm for the sport of will be a welcome addition to our program and coaching staff.” 

Smart is looking forward to using her experiences at Penn State to help swimmers at La Salle push themselves to achieve their goals.

“My PSU experience will aid my ability to coach at La Salle because I've learned a lot about being a teammate, a leader, and how hard work pays off in the end.” Smart said.

“I am really excited to coach swimmers at the collegiate level and pass on what I have learned from swimming at Penn State.”

Smart enjoyed an accomplished career in the pool and in the classroom in her four years in State College.

A four year varsity letter winner, Smart swam the 100m and 200m backstroke as well as the 100m and 200m butterfly for the Nittany Lions. She was a team captain her senior year and was selected as the Women's Swim Team Coach's Award winner following that season.

For her achievements as a student, the Langhorne, Pa. product was twice recognized as an Academic All-Big 10 award recipient and was a Dean's List honoree her senior year.

Smart was an active member of the State College community, volunteering her time throughout her tenure at Penn State for several different organizations.

She was a four-year member of the Penn State Student Advisory Board, planning community service activities and serving as a liaison between student-athletes and athletic administration. Smart also attended the Penn State Athletic Director's Leadership Institute, which provides leadership theories and perspectives to young people looking to pursue athletic careers. 

In addition, Smart was a three-year contributor to the Penn-Pal program, which enables young people to pursue a strong educational/athletic life balance through positives examples at the collegiate level. She also contributed to Life Link, helping students with mental and behavioral disabilities with their homework and social skills.

Greg Smart, Lauren's father, is a 1972 La Salle graduate.

Smart is planning to pursue a graduate degree in elementary and special education at La Salle.