NORTHAMPTON, MA - Clare Doyle's journey from a graduate assistant to head coach at Smith College is a coming-of-age story that is both inspiring and transformative.

During her time as a graduate assistant, Doyle had the opportunity to develop her coaching skills and gain invaluable experience that has propelled her to where she is today.

One of the most impactful experiences for Doyle was leading the novice program during her second year.

This responsibility pushed her out of her comfort zone and into a leadership role. 

"Developing a group of athletes from total novices to competing at the NEWMAC championships was a fantastic learning experience," Doyle said.

A Pivotal Piece of Advice
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Throughout her nine-year head coaching career, Doyle has relied on a piece of advice that she received during her time as a GA.

One of her mentors told her, "You never feel ready for the next step, and the timing is never perfect. Trust your training, trust your instincts, and go for it now. Your support system will be behind you every step of the way."

This advice gave Doyle the confidence to take on the leadership of the novice crew and eventually become the head coach.

It instilled in her the belief that she was ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

Laying the Foundation
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Doyle's time as a graduate assistant also allowed her to lay the foundation for her coaching philosophy and training plans.

As part of a research project, she developed a periodized training plan that she still uses today.

While it has evolved over the years, the core principles have remained the same.


The Importance of Saying Yes
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Doyle's advice to current graduate assistants is to say yes to as many opportunities as possible.

She credits her success to the relationships she developed and the experiences she gained by immersing herself in the department.

Whether it was observing other teams in practice or helping with administrative tasks, Doyle embraced every opportunity to learn and grow.

These experiences not only prepared her for her role as head coach but also helped her build a strong network within the Smith community.

Keys to Success
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As a head coach, Doyle has carried over some of the strategies and practices she developed as a graduate assistant. 

One of her "life hacks" is maintaining an organized calendar.

By meticulously planning and reviewing her schedule each week, she ensures that both she and her team are prepared for the challenges ahead.

Her commitment to preparation and organization is a key factor in her ability to effectively manage all aspects of running a team.

Clare Doyle's journey from a graduate assistant to head coach at Smith College is a testament to the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone, embracing opportunities, and building meaningful relationships.

Through her experiences and the guidance of her mentors, Doyle has become a respected and successful coach. Doyle also credits longtime mentor Karen Klinger '87 as a foundational influence in her journey. "Karen Klinger '87 has been a huge source of guidance in my coaching career. As a GA, she taught me so much about what it takes to lead a program and has been a major support as I learned how to be a head coach," Doyle said.

Her story serves as an inspiration to current and future graduate assistants, reminding them that their time at Smith College can be a transformative and fulfilling chapter in their coaching careers.

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