Katelyn Smith enters her twelfth year as a member of the Adams State University athletic family and begins her seventh season as Athletic Director.
During her tenure, Smith has focused on fostering an environment of excellence in both athletics and academics. Under her guidance, the Grizzlies have seen consistent success, highlighted by their annual presence in the top 20 of the Learfield Director's Cup standings, a measure of collegiate athletic success.
·     2024-2025: 13th
·     2023-2024: 14th
·     2022-2023: 16th
·     2021-2022: 19th
During her tenure as Athletic Director, academics have become a top priority for student-athletes. Each year, more than 520 student-athletes maintain an average GPA above 3.0. This emphasis on academic excellence has led to a significant increase in academic awards at both the RMAC and national level. With 82 student-athletes receiving the 2024-25 NACDA Academic Achievement Award.Â
Smith has overseen several major facility and infrastructure projects, including the installation of new turf at the football and lacrosse/soccer fields, the resurfacing of the softball field, and numerous upgrades throughout Plachy Hall. Following the merger of Athletics and Campus Recreation, she also assumed oversight of campus recreation operations.
In addition to facility enhancements, Smith has prioritized fundraising initiatives, helping establish a Grizzly Club endowment to support student-athlete scholarships. Those efforts have also contributed to the addition of a new video board at Rex Stadium. During the 2022 academic year, she negotiated a new apparel and equipment partnership with Nike and BSN Sports, further strengthening resources available to Adams State student-athletes.
Smith also serves on the NCAA Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Committee.
Smith first arrived at Adams State in the fall of 2014 from Washington. She served as an Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for three seasons before transitioning to the role of Athletic Department Business Manager in 2017. Her dedication and leadership led to her promotion to Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator in the fall of 2019, before she was named Athletic Director.
A four-year basketball letter winner, Smith graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Exercise Science from Adams State University in 2016.
Katelyn resides in Alamosa with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, Tundra and Cosmo.
