BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A former Troy infielder has been named the fifth head coach in UAB softball history.
UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram announced Taylor Smartt as its softball program's head coach Wednesday. Smartt is reporting to Birmingham following a two-season stint at Florida Atlantic, where she was an assistant coach and associate head coach.
The Owls reached the NCAA tournament in 2024. Smartt coached FAU's defense, which registered a .974 fielding percentage in 2023.
“Taylor’s enthusiasm and energy for being at UAB was evident when we met with her,” Ingram said in a statement. “Everyone was impressed with her passion for the game, and her history of successful recruiting was undeniable. We are thrilled to introduce her to our team and welcome her back home to the state of Alabama.”
Before coaching in South Florida, the Troy native was on the softball staff at her alma mater. After competing with the Trojans from 2011-14, Smartt became a volunteer assistant coach in 2015. She then was promoted to assistant coach and served as co-interim head coach in 2022.
Troy qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2021, the same year in which the Trojans finished 37-17 and recorded the fourth-most doubles in the nation at 98. Smartt started 191 games as a Trojan.
Smartt is replacing A.J. Daugherty, who resigned after leading the Blazers for two seasons. He is now the athletic director at Calhoun Community College. The Blazers went 23-29 overall and 14-13 in American Athletic Conference play last season. UAB has made in the NCAA tournament five times, including a super-regional appearance in 2013.
“I am excited to get to work and lead an amazing group of young women who are striving to be their best in all aspects of life," Smartt said in a statement. "We will positively impact the Birmingham community, compete for championships and continue to empower and grow young confident women.”