Coach Margaret Smith
Margaret Smith is a highly decorated former lacrosse defender and midfielder whose career is defined by her dominance at the University of Notre Dame and her subsequent transition into collegiate coaching.
Early Life and High School Career
A native of Westminster, Maryland, Smith attended the prestigious McDonogh School, where she was a standout three-sport athlete in lacrosse, soccer, and basketball.
- Jill Bearman Award McDonogh School presents this prestigious honor to one student annually —typically an upperclassman—who has demonstrated exceptional determination, enthusiasm, and courage in the face of life’s challenges. It is awarded to those who overcome significant adversity, such as serious injury or illness, while maintaining a positive impact on the school community. Smith received the award as a Freshman in 2007. Smith missed nearly two months of school after a soccer injury in the fall, but worked diligently during her recovery to remain with her grade academically and make her way back to the athletic fields.
- Captain of the McDonogh Varsity Girls Lacrosse and Soccer teams as a senior.
- Soccer: A four-year starter at center midfield and defense, she scored 20 career goals and served as team captain during her senior season, earning all-state honors.
- Team Success: She helped lead McDonogh to back-to-back lacrosse conference and regional championships in 2009 and 2010. Ranked #1 Varsity Girls Lacrosse in the nation.
- High School Accolades: She was a 2010 Under Armour All-American and a U.S. Lacrosse All-American.
- Top Athlete: In 2010, she was awarded the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Trophy, given to McDonogh’s top female athlete.
- Hall of Fame Inductee: In 2024, she was inducted into the McDonogh Athletic Hall of Fame.
Collegiate Playing Career: University of Notre Dame (2011–2014)
Smith became one of the most prolific defensive players in Notre Dame history, known for her speed and ability to create turnovers.
- National Honors: Named the 2014 ILWomen Co-National Defender of the Year and a First-Team IWLCA All-American.
- Conference Impact: She was the program’s first-ever All-ACC selection (2014) after the school moved from the BIG EAST, where she was a two-time First-Team selection (2012, 2013).
- National Recognition: Tewaaraton Award Nominee 2014.
- Records: At the time of her graduation, she held the school record for caused turnovers (122) and ranked in the top five for ground balls (168) and draw controls (151).
Coaching Career
Following her playing career, Smith moved into the coaching ranks, focusing on defensive units and recruiting.
- Stetson University (2014–2016): Started as an assistant coach and served as the Interim Head Coach for the first eight games of the 2016 season, leading the Hatters to a 4-4 recored to start the year.
- University of Notre Dame (2016–2018): Returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach for two seasons, where she helped guide the Irish to the 2017 NCAA Tournament and coached multiple All-Americans.
- University of Delaware (2018–2019): Served as an volunteer assistant coach for the Blue Hens, bringing her defensive expertise to the CAA conference.
Post-Coaching & Professional Life
Smith eventually transitioned away from full-time collegiate coaching to pursue a career in healthcare. She attended Northeastern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2020. She remained involved in the sport as a coach for Ultimate Lacrosse, mentoring elite club players in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. She now lives in Wilmington with her family while working as a nurse.