BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University softball has promoted Taylor Smartt to Associate Head Coach, as announced by head coach Jordan Clark on Thursday. Smartt earns the promotion after a successful first season as the Owls’ assistant coach.
QUOTES FROM THE OWLS
“Taylor has the ‘it factor’ to make everyone around her better,” Clark said. “I couldn’t be more excited to name her as Associate Head Coach of FAU Softball. She is a tireless worker who loves building relationships and teaching the game of softball. What she has brought to our recruiting and game preparation is unmatched. We are so lucky that Taylor loves Paradise and wants to continue building something special with our group. We all feel like we hit the jackpot as soon as we spend five minutes with her. We are better because she is here, and we are excited for another year with our staff together!”
“I am very honored and excited to be named Associate Head Coach,” Smartt said. “I am grateful to Jordan Clark for her confidence in me and my abilities to help move this program forward. I am thankful that our Director of Athletics, Brian White, is committed to our staff and our program. I look forward to this opportunity to serve in this role to continue empowering and growing young women.”
STATS & NOTES
In her first year with the Owls, Smartt was part of a staff that led Florida Atlantic to a 35-20 record. The 35 wins mark the most for FAU since the 2017 season. The Owls put up 15 Conference USA victories in the regular season and two in the C-USA Tournament.
Smartt was charged with the task of leading the Owls’ defense, which tied for second in C-USA in fielding percentage with a .974 clip and was only .001% behind the conference leader. The Owls also had the second-fewest errors in the 10-team league with 40.
Smartt also contributed to the Owl offense that ranked second in Conference USA in doubles (69) and triples (15), while ranking fourth in the league in hits (381). Smartt and the Owls’ staff directed the Florida Atlantic bats to increases in batting average, runs scored, home runs, RBI, doubles, slugging percentage and on-base percentage from the 2022 season.
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