Smith to lead Belles' hoops
By KATIE McVOY
Assistant Sports Editor
Suzanne Smith will join the hundreds of new freshmen unpacking their bags in South Bend this week as she arrives on campus to take the reins for the Belles basketball program.
But that won't be an easy task.
Walking into a fledgling program that struggled under former head coach Dave Roeder, Smith has the challenge of turning around last season's 4-22 losing record and restoring energy and confidence to the program.
Roeder left last season after four years and four consecutive losing seasons.
"This year my main goal is to get the confidence back in the program and have some fun," Smith said. "There is a ton of talent here. I need to get them to work together and trust each other."
Smith will be joining the athletic staff full-time as the sports information director. In addition to coaching and recruiting for the basketball team, Smith will be the hub of information about all Saint Mary's varsity athletics.
Having Smith as a full-time staff member opens the door to improvement for the program.
"There is a long history of where the [basketball] program has been and it will take some time to change that," Kachmarik said. "Having a full-time coach, however, will be the first step in changing that history."
Smith comes from DePauw University where she was the graduate assistant for basketball and volleyball. While at DePauw, Smith helped coach the women's basketball team to a two-year record of 42-10, back to back Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament in 1999.
"Suzanne brings a wealth of knowledge with her," Kachmarik said. "The [players] can relate to her at their level. She's going to energize them and bring new enthusiasm to the program."
Joining Smith on the coaching staff is assistant coach Sherry Donnelly. Donnelly will work with the post players, help recruit, and encourage community relations. Where Smith brings knowledge as a college-level coach, Donnelly brings experience as a player. She recently participated in a WNBA tryout with the Orlando Miracle.
"[Donnelly] brings maturity, humor, and expertise as a coach and a player," said athletic director Lynn Kachmarik. "[Donnelly and Smith] are going to bring this program to a new level. This year the women are going to get what they deserve," Kachmarik said.
All Sports Stories for Saturday, August 19, 2000
