Brad Smith Steps Down as Head Coach at Youngstown State
Brad Smith announced this week that he’s stepping down after seven seasons in charge of Youngstown State.
Smith led Penguins swimmers and divers to 12 Horizon League title. That includes Olivia Sweetman, the first three-time Horizon League champion at the same meet and just the program’s second Horizon League Women’s Swimmer of the Meet.
The Penguins 800 free relay in 2025 won the program’s first Horizon League relay crown.
“I am very thankful to YSU, President Bill Johnson, First-Lady LeeAnn Johnson, Ron Strollo, Rebecca Fink and our athletic department for trusting in me,” Smith said in a press release. “Most importantly, thankful to the many wonderful student-athletes who have come through my life. I’ve formed years of meaningful memories and relationships that I’ll never forget and always cherish.”
Smith led the 2025-26 Penguins to third place in the Horizon League, the highest finish for a Penguins squad, men’s or women’s. Quinn Cynor’s win in the 500 free at the league championships this year was the fifth individual Horizon League title in program history. All have come under Smith’s tutelage since he was hired after the 2018-19 season, with Gavin Webb winning three 1,650 frees and Aleksa Radenovic the 200 fly in 2023.
“I want to thank Coach Smith for what he has done at Youngstown State over his seven years,” YSU Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ron Strollo said. “When he took over in 2019, we asked him to have a men’s team ready to compete in six months and he has built that program to its highest placement at a league meet this past season, finishing third. He watched over our programs during the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a culture and atmosphere for our student-athletes that we have come to appreciate. We wish Brad and Becky the best of luck in the future with their family.”
Smith arrived at Youngstown State off five seasons coaching the men’s and women’s team at Binghamton. He was also the head coach for two seasons at Western Colorado and an assistant at Maine for three seasons.
