Lakewood, N.J. - The Georgian Court University Department of Athletics is pleased to welcome Donald Smith (ATC, CSCS) to its athletic training staff. Smith will serve the dual role of Certified Athletic Trainer and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Lions.

"I am excited to be a part of Georgian Court athletics," said Smith. "I look forward to creating a culture within strength and conditioning that is preserved by hard work, respect, character, community, positivity, persistence, integrity, and a commitment to change. I'm motivated to help student-athletes become successful, be in good health, and discover what it means to have the heart of a Lion."

Donny joins the Lions after having served as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach/Certified Athletic Trainer for Framingham State University in Massachusetts. There he had the pleasure to implement various facets of strength and conditioning for 14 varsity teams. While at Framingham State, he also served as an athletic trainer for the university's club teams including: rugby, men's lacrosse, and cheer. Smith was also a mainstay in the athletic training room to assist all squads.

"We are pleased to welcome Donny to our staff," shared Joe Friedrich, Director of Sports Medicine & Performance. "His talents in strength and conditioning, along with his experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer, allow him to not only address the acute care and rehabilitation needs of our student-athletes, but to also cultivate his or her overall development and help them realize their performance potential.  As the University's first employee with primary duties in strength & conditioning, Donny has the opportunity to build a program from the ground up."

Added Friedrich, "In this post-COVID-19 world with an abundance of lockdowns and quarantines, it is important that our student-athletes have creative ways to maintain not only their physical fitness, but also their mental wellness.  Donny will help each team adapt their programing needs as they evolve. He will oversee lifts, will instruct teams on proper dynamic warm routines, and will provide a variety of home exercise programs to be followed over the break. We want our student-athletes to return from the holidays prepared for a successful and injury-free competitive spring season."

Raised in Ocean County, New Jersey, Donny pursued his undergraduate degree in sport and exercise psychology at West Virginia University. While at WVU, he commenced his career in the strength and conditioning field while working with NCAA Division I athletes in such sports as wrestling, soccer, rifle, and rowing. Smith went on to earn a minor in strength and conditioning, which prepared him to receive his NSCA-CSCS certification in 2016. Don also has experience working in the private sector, training athletes and individuals of all abilities in a competitive environment  at Viking Performance Training in Morgantown, West Virginia.
           
Subsequently, Smith returned to New Jersey where he worked for various physical therapists as a technician. He then relocated to Pennsylvania where he continued his work as a technician until 2017 when he enrolled at Jefferson University to obtain his Master of Science in athletic training. While at Jefferson, Donny had the opportunity to work in tandem with a variety of student-athletes competing at different levels.

Donny maintains numerous licenses and certifications and considers himself a lifelong learner. He enjoys implementing his expertise in examination, exercise prescription, and manual therapy to best help the athlete reach his or her highest level of performance, regardless of their current state. Smith also utilizes his network to ensure that athletes will receive the best possible care. He enjoys being part of the process and watching others succeed.