CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Ben Smith, a 2010 Harvard graduate and former men's lacrosse team MVP, has been promoted to assistant coach after spending last season as a volunteer, Chris Wojcik '96, The Frisbie Family Head Coach for Harvard Men's Lacrosse, has announced.
"I am happy to welcome Ben to our staff as a full-time assistant coach," Wojcik commented. "Over the past year as a volunteer assistant, Ben has demonstrated that he is an intelligent, passionate, and knowledgeable lacrosse coach. In addition, Ben is energetic and enthusiastic in his daily approach as a coach and mentor."
In Smith's first season with the Crimson in 2013, Harvard posted a 6-8 overall record after playing the ninth toughest schedule in the nation which included games against seven ranked opponents. Five Crimson were rewarded for their efforts with All-New England and All-Ivy League honors, highlighted by Devin Dwyer's NEILA Rookie of the Year selection.
"As a former Harvard student-athlete, Ben possesses intrinsic knowledge on the daily life of our players, and his Harvard experience will provide a positive impact on and off the field."
Smith, who suited up for Johns Hopkins as a fifth-year senior in 2011 as a starting long-stick midfielder, garnered All-Ivy League honorable mention as a senior with the Crimson in 2010. Smith started nine of the 10 games he appeared in that spring, scoring two goals and collecting 24 ground balls while leading the team with nine turnovers.
At Harvard, Smith received the Most Improved Player award as a junior in 2009 before earning the Most Valuable Player award and the Class of 59 'Trophy for leadership and enthusiasm as a senior in 2010. While at Johns Hopkins in 2011, Smith led the team in caused turnovers while helping the squad rank second in the nation in defense and earn the No. 3 seed entering the NCAA tournament. In addition, Smith was presented with the W. Taylor Cook Award for strength of character and positive contributions to the team.
Smith, a native of Longmeadow, Mass., appeared in 11 contests as a junior in 2009 and played in five games as a sophomore the previous season. In total, Smith played in 26 games during his tenure in Cambridge.