Lake-Sumter State College is pleased to welcome April Smith to the role of Executive Director of Athletics. She is an accomplished leader with a mission to cultivate a positive, teamwork-focused environment and a competitive spirit to heighten performance.
“I am proud to have April Smith joining Lake-Sumter State College and our Lakehawks Athletics program,” said Dr. Heather Bigard, President. “April is an accomplished leader and believes in a teamwork-focused environment that fosters a competitive spirit and heightens the performance of our student-athletes. Her breadth of experience with athletes at all levels on a global platform is truly an asset to LSSC as we continue the growth of our program and continue to focus on developing well-rounded and successful student-athletes.”
April has most recently served as a Recruiting Consultant at Sonoma State University, where she supported the Athletics program and coaches on aspects of program management, teaching, and player development. She has served in coaching roles at Fresno State University and Appalachian State University, in addition to several coaching roles for USA Track & Field (USATF). April’s accomplishments include being named NCAA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2006 and leading the USATF Junior Pan American team in 2013. In August 2023, she served on the staff of the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest, Hungary.
“I am extremely excited to join Lake-Sumter State College and look forward to supporting the continued growth of the Lakehawk Athletics program,” says April Smith, LSSC Executive Director of Athletics. “LSSC has a great group of student-athletes and I look forward to supporting their growth and development while they thrive in the sport that they love.”
April has made her mark as an influential speaker and lecturer, addressing international audiences on topics ranging from strategic training to equity in sports. Her dedication to coach education and development is evident through her role as Delegate and Lead Educator for Central California for Team USA. In this position, she educates and certifies coaches for eligibility across all levels of competition – youth, masters, and Olympians and Paralympians.
April holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with an emphasis on fitness & sports management from Doane College, along with a master’s degree in sports management from Appalachian State University. She’s also achieved an array of certifications, including World Athletic Level 5 Olympic Development Coach.
She has experience coaching and developing athletes and programs across a wide portfolio, including athletic training, baseball, cheerleading, swimming, track and field, volleyball, and water polo.
With her sports psychology background as an educator, coach, and mentor, April Smith is well-equipped to guide the LSSC Lakehawk Athletics program into the future.
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About Lake-Sumter State College
Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. LSSC embraces its mission as a community college to increase access and opportunity for all learners in its community. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 7,500 students annually at four locations and online: Leesburg, Four Corners, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree programs designed to support and prepare students to pursue their goals and join Florida’s dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu.
