NORTHAMPTON - Smith College assistant basketball coach Kat Puda has been selected as a full scholarship recipient to the 56th Class of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy hosted in partnership between WeCOACH and the NCAA which will take place from May 18-20. 

The NCAA Women Coaches Academy is a multi-day growth & development program available to collegiate women coaches in all sports, collegiate levels, and years of experience. WCA is designed for women coaches who are ready to elevate their holistic coaching effectiveness by learning advanced leadership skills and strategies that directly affect their personal and team success. Participants focus on non-sport specific concepts in an environment that fosters inclusion across the sports community. 

Puda, a 2025 WBCA Thirty Under 30 recipient, just wrapped up her fifth season as an assistant coach with the Smith College basketball program. She has been an instrumental part of the Bears' last five NEWMAC Championships and two National Championship game appearances. Head coach Lynn Hersey and her staff were named NEWMCA Coaching Staff of the Year in 2023 and 2026. 

The Bears finished the 2025-campaign with an overall record of 28-2, won the program's sixth-straight NEWMAC Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

About Smith Athletics Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information, log on to GoSmithBears.com and follow the Bears on Facebook and Instagram.