NORTHAMPTON - Former Smith basketball standout Jessie Ruffner returns to the Birthplace as an assistant coach, head coach Lynn Hersey announced today. Ruffner will be pursuing her masters of science in exercise and sport studies over the next two years. 

"We are beyond excited to welcome Jessie back to Smith College and Ainsworth Gymnasium to coach and inspire the players of our program," said Hersey. "It's always so meaningful to add a former alum of the college and an All-American on court to the depth of experiences our current coaching staff embodies. Jessie will utilize her story at Smith to be a strong voice on our staff as we develop players who are competitive, bold and hungry for the spotlight.  Our culture and mindset are in additional good hands with her by our side."

A native of Rocklin, Calif., Ruffner was a 2024 WBCA and D3hoops.com All-American selection, as well as the D3hoops.com Region 2 Player of the Year. She was also the NEWMAC Athlete of the Year for the 2023-2024 season, leading Smith to its fourth straight NEWMAC Championship. She helped the Bears reach the NCAA National Championship game as a senior and a Final Four appearance as a junior. Ruffner is a two-time All-Conference first team selection while being named the NEWMAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2020, 2023, and 2024. She ranks fourth all-time in scoring with 1,403 points and is the only player in program history with 1,400 points, 700 rebounds, and 400 assists. 

Ruffner spent the last two years as a math teacher and assistant boys basketball coach at Suffield Academy. In 2023, she spent her summer as a finance intern with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Ruffner graduated from Smith in 2024 with a degree in mathematical sciences. 

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.
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