Austyn Smith joins the PLU women's rowing program as an assistant coach prior to the 2025-2026 season.
Smith brings valuable coaching experience from Commencement Bay Rowing Club, where they guided junior athletes from their first strokes through high-level regional competition. They also supported the University of Puget Sound rowing program as a volunteer coach during the 2024 spring season. At PLU, Smith will contribute to all aspects of the program, focusing especially on novice development, overall athlete growth and support, and high school recruiting.
Off the water, Smith serves as a college and career readiness coach with AmeriCorps, supporting Tacoma-area students in building college awareness and planning for their academic and professional futures. They are also a multi-time award-winning writer recognized for both poetry and critical essays.
A graduate of the University of Puget Sound with a degree in English, Smith rowed for the Loggers' varsity eight boat from 2022-2024, helping the team capture a Northwest Conference Championship and earn a seventh place finish at the 2024 NCAA Rowing Championships.
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