Kristin Hughes M'93 was appointed the Directof of Athletics and Recreation in July of 2015.
An experienced administrator and coach, Hughes is a graduate of Smith College’s master of science in exercise and sports studies (ESS) program.
NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Committe Chair 2025-26
NACDA Athletics Director of the Year - 2024
Women Leaders in College Sports Division III Nike Executive of the Year - 2023
Athletic Success Under Hughes
- 2024 and 2025 Women's Basketball National Finalists
- 8 NEWMAC Championships
- 28 All-Americans
Hughes has made it her mission to position Smith as a nationally recognized athletics program, while providing an elite experience for all student-athletes. During her tenure, Hughes has implemented groundbreaking projects such as the Friends of Athletics Endowment, new mascot, a facility and logo rebrand, and an annual Athletics Giving Day. Additionally, she has prioritized Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives for administrators, coaches, graduate assistants and student-athletes, solidifying an NCAA grant for an administrator focused on student-athlete well-being and DEI. Serving on the President's Council, Hughes elevates the status of athletics across campus. Under Hughes’s leadership, Smith is in the midst of historic success, highlighted by competitive excellence in athletics and in the classroom.
In addition to numerous All-Americans, Hughes’ commitment to the development of the entire student-athlete is evidenced by Lauren Bondi '18 (basketball) earning the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and being named a Top 10 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year award, while Smith student-athletes have consistently maintained a GPA of 3.65 or above. Hughes is currently the chair of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Committee and was named the 2023 Women Leaders in College Sports Division III Nike Executive of the Year and the 2024 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year.
Prior to Smith, Hughes was a widely respected athletics director for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, where she supervised the operation of 27 athletic teams and 75 coaches. Before her time in Ohio, Hughes was the head women’s basketball coach at Colgate University from 2004 - 2007. Hughes served as the Case Western University women's basketball coach for 11 seasons and was elevated to the interim director of athletics, assistant director of athletics and primary women's administrator.
At Smith, Hughes oversees intercollegiate teams competing in the NCAA Division III, club and intramural sports, multiple athletic, recreation and fitness facilities, and a large and robust recreation program that serves the entire college community.
Hughes received her degree in biology and secondary education from Elms College.
