Central Penn College Taps World Marathoner to Lead Cross Country Program

Central Penn College is excited to announce the hiring of Kelly Smith as the new head coach for its cross country program. Smith will take over the burgeoning program in the fall, with a mission to cultivate a new generation of student-athletes at the college.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Exercise Science, Smith brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for running to Central Penn College. An avid runner herself, she has competed in marathons across the globe, including the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors in Tokyo, Berlin, London, and Chicago, as well as the Philadelphia Marathon.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kelly Smith to the Knight family,” said Athletic Director Kasey Hicks. “Her passion for running and her holistic approach to coaching are exactly what we need to build this program from the ground up. Central Penn has a rich history in cross country and I am excited to see Coach Smith lead our student-athletes as we work to return the program to that level.”

Smith’s coaching philosophy centers on the overall development of the student-athlete. She aims to make running both fun and sustainable while fostering personal growth alongside athletic achievement.

“I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to build the cross country program at Central Penn,” said Smith. “My priority as a coach is to emphasize both athletic development and personal growth, fostering a love for running while building character and life skills. My approach focuses on building strong relationships with my athletes, understanding their individual needs, and providing guidance that extends beyond the cross country field. My hope is that my athletes develop a true love and joy for running that will continue for years to come.”

A native of Pennsylvania and a Wyoming Area Senior High School alumna, Smith is poised to make an immediate impact on the Central Penn College athletic department and its student-athletes.