Jas Smith, a 2016 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, has been appointed as the Director of Operations for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. This marks a significant return to her alma mater, where she previously contributed to the football program. Her appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Notre Dame community to the women’s basketball team.
During her time at Notre Dame, Smith earned a degree in Information Technology Management. She began her professional journey as a Football Ambassador for the university from 2014 to 2016, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the football program’s engagement with prospective student-athletes and the broader community. Her commitment to the university continued as she served as an Admissions Counselor from 2016 to 2017, assisting in the recruitment of new students.
Smith’s career trajectory then led her to Nova Southeastern University, where she served as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions from 2017 to 2018. In this role, she was instrumental in shaping the admissions strategy and fostering relationships with prospective students. Her next position took her to the Special Olympics Florida, where she worked as a Senior Sports Manager focusing on Training and Competition from 2021 to 2022. This role allowed her to apply her organizational skills to the logistics of sports events and athlete development.
Returning to Notre Dame in 2018, Smith took on the role of Coordinator of On-Campus Football Recruiting, where she was responsible for organizing and executing recruitment events and visits for prospective student-athletes. Her efforts were crucial in attracting top talent to the football program. In 2022, she expanded her horizons by joining Louisiana State University (LSU) as the Director of Football Operations. At LSU, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the football team, collaborating closely with the chief of staff on various projects. Her tenure at LSU further honed her skills in team operations and management.
Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing athletic programs through effective operations management. Her diverse experiences across different institutions have equipped her with a unique perspective on collegiate athletics. Her return to Notre Dame is anticipated to bring a fresh approach to the women’s basketball program, leveraging her extensive background in operations and her deep-rooted connection to the university.
The Notre Dame women’s basketball team, under the leadership of Head Coach Niele Ivey, has seen significant success in recent years, including a 28–6 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the 2024–25 season. Smith’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the operational aspects of the program, ensuring that the team continues to perform at a high level both on and off the court.
In summary, Jas Smith’s return to Notre Dame as the Director of Operations for the women’s