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University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Laura Smith Named Head Coach of UNC Asheville Women’s Golf
08.31.2026 | Women's Golf
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – UNC Asheville Athletics has named Laura Smith head coach of the Bulldog women's golf program for the 2026-27 season.
Smith, who has served on the UNC Asheville women's golf coaching staff since the spring of 2022, steps into the head coaching role after helping the Bulldogs reach new heights during her tenure with the program.
During the 2025-26 season, Smith helped guide Asheville to the Big South Match Play Championship for the first time in program history. She also helped coach Caroline Patterson to the first NCAA Tournament appearance by an individual in UNC Asheville women's golf history.
"Laura has been an important part of the growth and success of our women's golf program over the last several years," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "She knows our student-athletes, understands the culture of our program and brings tremendous experience as both a coach and former student-athlete. We are fortunate to have someone with Laura's background and knowledge of our program step into this role, and I am confident she will provide great leadership for our women's golf team."
Smith has brought an extensive playing and coaching background to the Bulldog program.
Prior to joining Asheville, Smith coached golf at Asheville Christian Academy for two seasons.
Before entering the coaching ranks, Smith played professionally for five years. Her professional career included victories at the 2013 Symetra Open and 2011 Michigan Open. She also competed in the 2010 U.S. Women's Open at Oakmont Country Club.
Smith enjoyed a decorated collegiate career at Michigan State, where she recorded three individual victories and was named the 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year. She was a three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection and earned Second Team All-America honors in both 2009 and 2010.
During Smith's collegiate career, Michigan State made four NCAA Regional appearances and advanced to the NCAA Championships twice. She finished her Spartan career as the program's all-time leader in scoring average at 74.6 and totaled 16 top-five finishes and 23 top-10 finishes.
Smith was also selected to represent Team USA at the 2010 World University Games.
In 2024, Smith was inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame, becoming the seventh member of the Spartans' women's golf program to receive the honor.
Smith graduated from Michigan State with a degree in geography and a concentration in meteorology.
"First off, I would like to thank AD Janet Cone for the opportunity to take on the role as head coach of the women's golf program," said Smith. "Golf has provided me so many opportunities, and I'm blessed to now be in a position where I can lead, inspire, and empower the next generation of Bulldogs. I also want to give a special shout-out to all of the supporters of the program. Your passion, commitment, and support are an important part of what makes this program special, and I'm excited to have you alongside us as we continue to build for the future."
