CLEVELAND, Tenn.-Megan Smith has risen through the ranks to become the third head coach in the history of Lee University women's lacrosse. When former head coach Derrel Martin took over the program five years ago, Smith was hired as his assistant coach to help build a competitive program in the Gulf South Conference.

With the mission accomplished, and framed around the GSC regular season title in 2021, she was promoted to associate head coach in July of 2023. Martin resigned in October and Smith was named interim head coach. In the five years Martin was head coach, he led the Lady Flames to a 35-36 record.

 Smith was a standout player for Limestone College from 2011-15. After graduating from Limestone, she served on staff as an assistant coach. Smith then took over the Converse College women's lacrosse program for one season before joining the staff of Chowan University as an assistant coach for one year.

Nothing came easy for Lee's interim lacrosse leader in 2024. The schedule was loaded with Florida teams. The Lady Flames finished the slate with a 9-9 mark and seven of the nine defeats came to colleges from the Sunshine State. It was Flagler College, a Florida squad that finished 18-3 and advance to NCAA DII South Regional play that knocked the Lady Flames out of the GSC tournament.

Lee University Athletic Director John Maupin said naming Smith as the head coach was an easy task. "I'm excited to make this hire official. Coach Smith has poured into our women's lacrosse program as an assistant coach, an interim head coach, and now she'll have the opportunity to lead the future of our lacrosse program as the Head Coach!  I love the vision and energy that she brings to the table, and I'm looking forward to the future of the program under her direction."

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to continue my career here at Lee University as the next Head Coach," remarked Smith. "This program and school are extremely special to me. For the last six years I have been exceptionally fortunate to work with the most amazing people both on and off the field."

"I am thankful for the opportunity to now lead and continue the growth of the Lacrosse program. I would like to thank President Dr. Paul Conn, Athletic Director John Maupin as well as our entire athletic department for their support. I am thankful for John and his leadership and mentorship this past year and having confidence in me as I step into this role." 

Smith also works overtime with extra projects. She helps lead the Student Athletic Advisory Committee for the Lee University Athletic Department. She received the prestigious IWLCA Service Award in 2021 and again in 2023. Through her leadership the Lady Flames won the IWLCA Community Awareness Award in 2022 and 2023.