NORTHAMPTON - After 22 years of dedicated service,
Ellen O'Neil has officially announced she is stepping down as the head coach of Smith College's cross country program, effective June 30.
"I am so grateful to have had the last two thirds of my collegiate coaching career at Smith," said O'Neil. "It has been such a privilege to have worked with the many devoted and accomplished student-athletes throughout the years. Though I am proud of both the individual and the team accomplishments along the way, I will most remember the time spent with each individual athlete. Thank you to all those who supported me along the way."
During her storied tenure at Smith, O'Neil led Smith to two NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship appearances (2021, 2022) and a program-best runner-up finish at the 2022 NEWMAC Championship. She coached the 2007 NEWMAC Runner of the Year (Nora Youngs), the 2021 NEWMAC Rookie of the Year (
Pria Parker (Hingham, MA/Hingham)) and numerous All-Conference and All-Region selections. O'Neil and her staff were named the NEWMAC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2022.
"
Ellen O'Neil has made quite an impact during her time here at Smith," said athletic director
Kristin Hughes. "She is a highly respected coach both within our department and across Division III. Her ability to holistically develop her student-athletes while also creating a strong team culture is an approach that makes her an incredibly impactful person. She is a class act, always prioritizing the student-athlete experience and a collaborative and supportive colleague. I am so grateful for the time Ellen and I got to work together. She will be missed by everyone in Smith Athletics."
About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log onto SmithPioneers.com and follow us on
Facebook and Instagram,
