Brad Smith has decided to step down after seven seasons serving as the head coach of the Youngstown State men's and women's swimming and diving programs.
"I am very thankful to YSU, President Bill Johnson, First-Lady LeeAnn Johnson, Ron Strollo, Rebecca Fink and our athletic department for trusting in me," Smith said. "Most importantly, thankful to the many wonderful student-athletes who have come through my life. I've formed years of meaningful memories and relationships that I'll never forget and always cherish."
Smith helped lead the Penguins to a combined 12 Horizon League event titles, as well as guiding the men's and women's squads to their highest finishes at the league championships during his tenure.
"I want to thank Coach Smith for what he has done at Youngstown State over his seven years," YSU Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo said. "When he took over in 2019, we asked him to have a men's team ready to compete in six months and he has built that program to its highest placement at a league meet this past season, finishing third. He watched over our programs during the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a culture and atmosphere for our student-athletes that we have come to appreciate. We wish Brad and Becky the best of luck in the future with their family."
Under Smith's tutelage, the Penguins women's program conquered many feats that had not been previously achieved.
Most recently in 2026, Olivia Sweetman became the first YSU swimmer, male or female, to win three Horizon League event titles at the same meet, while also being the second 'Guin to be named the Horizon League Women's Swimmer of the Meet, the highest individual honor given at the conference championships. Hannah Murray became the first YSU female swimmer to claim the HL 200 breaststroke title as well.
Smith also coached one of the great female athletes in the history of YSU Athletics, Miriam Frass, during his head coaching stint. At the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Frass was named the YSU Joseph F. Malmisur Student-Athlete of the Year and Horizon League Swimming and Diving Women's Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Penguin to garner that honor from the league. At the Horizon League Championships, Frass was named the women's swimmer of the meet, marking the first time that a Penguin won the award, after claiming league titles in the 1650 free and 400 IM, her second-straight year winning that event.
Also at the 2025 HL Championships, the 800-free relay team of Hailey Clark, Oliwia Kaniak, Olivia Sweetman and Frass won the first Horizon League relay title in YSU Swimming and Diving history. To wrap up that league meet, the Penguin women garnered their third-straight fourth-place finish, tying their highest finish, as well as accumulating 483 points, which set a new program record.
Smith's first season in Youngstown was also the first season that YSU boasted a men's swimming and diving program. He relished the undertaking of the group.
The 2025-26 team was the strongest all-around season for the men's squad as they finished third overall, the highest finish by a YSU men's or women's program at a league meet, while also amassing 494 points, setting a new program record. Quinn Cynor won the 500 free HL title, becoming the first YSU male swimmer to win that event, and also marking the fifth individual HL event title won in program history. Smith also coached Gavin Webb to three consecutive 1650 free titles (2021-24) and Aleksa Radenovic to the 2023 200 fly conference title.
Smith also helped form the YSU Invitational this past November, the first invite hosted by the men's and women's programs inside Beeghly Natatorium.
Academics were also an area of importance under Smith, as the Penguins' men's and women's programs garnered CSCAA Scholar All-America recognition in each of the last six academic years. Individually, 39 YSU student-athletes were named to the Horizon League All-Academic Teams under Smith's leadership.
Before Youngstown State, Smith served five seasons as the Head Women's and Men's Swimming and Diving Coach at Binghamton, two campaigns as the Head Coach at Western Colorado, and he was an assistant coach at Maine from 2009-12.
