NORTHAMPTON - Smith College Director of Athletics & Recreation Kristin Hughes announced the hiring of Molly Sear as the new head coach of Bears track and field. Sear joins the department after a two-year stint at Moravian University in Pennsylvania, where she served most recently as an assistant coach with the program. 

"I am pleased to welcome Molly Sear to Smith Athletics," said Hughes. "Her passion to compete at a high level combined with her commitment to the overall development of the student-athlete will serve her well as our new Head Track Coach.  I am excited to see the strides our program will take under her leadership."

"It is a privilege and a dream come true to step into the head track and field position at Smith College. I am really looking forward to continuing the legacy and honoring this program's history while also creating new opportunities for individuals on and off the track. I am drawn to the passion, energy, and commitment that define this campus. I am so grateful to Jack Woods and Krisitn Hughes for this opportunity and the trust they have in me. I am eager to begin and learn so much more through such a passionate coaching staff, athletic department, and campus community. Smith College offers a unique experience to all, and I'm excited to be a part of that."

While at Moravian, Sear coached two All-Americans in the women's high jump and men's high jump and guided the women's triple jump squad to a top-10 USTFCCCA ranking. 

Prior to Moravian, Sear guided the jumps group during the 2022-23 seasons at Springfield College as a graduate assistant coach.

"Among a pool of highly qualified candidates, Molly stood out for her leadership skills, ambitious vision, and ability to adapt & connect to student-athletes," said Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Jack Wood. "This is an exciting era to redefine the limits of success for Smith Track & Field, and I look forward to working with Molly and the rest of our staff as we push the program to new heights."

Sear received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College in 2021 and added a Master of Education degree in Athletic Leadership from Springfield College in 2023. 

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 GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram,