KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island women's lacrosse coach Jenna Slowey has named Riley Smith as the first assistant coach in program history.

Smith comes to Rhode Island from the University of Delaware, where she spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with the Blue Hens.

"It was a no-brainer decision to hire Riley Smith," Slowey said. "Her coaching experience and success speaks for itself. Her passion for the game and for her student-athletes is contagious. We are lucky to have her as we build the Rhode Island program into a championship contender."

Before Delaware, Smith spent four seasons at Wesleyan University as the Associate Head Women's Lacrosse Coach. At Wesleyan, Smith helped the team go 36-14 overall record, with the program ending each of her four seasons nationally ranked in the IWLCA Division III Coaches Poll.

In 2019, Smith helped lead Wesleyan to the Division III national Final Four. A year earlier, the Cardinals advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA DIII Tournament, earning its first program win in the NCAA tournament that season.

"I am so excited for the opportunity to build Rhody lacrosse into a championship program with Jenna Slowey," Smith said. "URI is such a special place for so many reasons. The support of Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn and the entire department is excellent. I can't wait to get to work."
 
While at Wesleyan, Smith developed 11 All-Americans, 11 All-NESCAC players, and successfully recruited 40 players from six states. She also served as an assistant field hockey coach for the Cardinals and has served as a head coach and recruiting coordinator for the Nor'easter Premier Lacrosse Club in New Haven, Conn., since 2013.
 
A 2017 graduate from Fairfield University, Smith earned a bachelor's degree in Biology and played four years for the Stags as a midfielder. The Guilford, Conn., native was a member of the 2015 MAAC Championship team and competed in the NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Tournament. Smith also holds a master's degree from Wesleyan University.