Amanda Smith named head coach of STFX women’s soccer program

ANTIGONISH, NS – STFX Director of Athletics & Recreation Leo MacPherson is pleased to announce alumnus Amanda Smith as the new head coach of the STFX X-Women Soccer program. Graham Kennedy previously coached both the men's and women's teams, and will remain on as the X-Men Soccer head coach as Smith steps into the newly created position as X-Women Soccer head coach.

"Amanda Smith is an exceptional young leader whose passion for the game and commitment to student-athlete success stood out throughout this process," comments MacPherson. "She understands the standards and traditions that define X-Women Soccer and has the energy, character, and vision to elevate our program moving forward."

He is excited about the future of X-Women Soccer under her leadership, noting that Smith is "a teacher, mentor, and competitor who knows how to inspire those around her while fostering an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both on the field and in the classroom."

Coach Smith shares that she is honoured for the opportunity to lead the X-Women Soccer program. "As a former student-athlete, I am excited to return to STFX and contribute to the strong legacy and tradition that has been built over the years. I look forward to being back in Antigonish and working with our student-athletes as we continue to grow the program and strive for success both on and off the field."

A native of Ottawa, Ont., Coach Smith has been playing professionally since graduating from STFX in 2024. She has played on various pro teams in Canada, the United States, the Philippines and Ireland. For the past year she has been an assistant academy coach with the development team at Galway United FC in Ireland. She holds a UEFA C License (European Football) and is in progress to earn her CONCACAF B License through Soccer Canada.   

The most decorated X-Women Soccer athlete in STFX history, Smith played five seasons for the White and Blue from 2018-2024, serving as team captain in her final three seasons. She is the X-Women record holder for most goals in a single game (4), most goals in a single season (22) and most career goals (50). Her 50 career goals also place her third overall in the AUS conference record book. In her final season Amanda helped guide the X-Women to a perfect 12-0-0 record and the 2023 AUS championship title, while racking up a U SPORTS-leading 28 points and earning the nod as AUS playoff MVP. She is the only X-Women soccer athlete to earn AUS first team all-star status on four occasions, and the only one to achieve U SPORTS all-Canadian accolades four times.

Smith was honoured as the 2024 STFX Female Student-Athlete of the Year, she was a four-time X-Women most valuable player, and graduated from the STFX Leadership Academy as a Leader of Distinction. In the classroom she was a Dean's List student, garnered recognition as a U SPORTS academic all-Canadian an impressive five times, from 2019 to 2024. Amanda graduated from STFX University with both a BSc Human Kinetics degree and a Bachelor of Education degree. She will begin her head coaching duties on June 1^st.

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