Taylor Smartt begins her first season as Head Coach of the UAB softball program, bringing a strong track record of success and defensive development to Birmingham. A native of Troy, Alabama, Smartt most recently served as associate head coach and assistant coach at Florida Atlantic University. During her tenure in Boca Raton, she helped guide the Owls to a 76-36 record and an NCAA Regional appearance in 2024. Overseeing the defense, Smartt’s unit posted an impressive .974 fielding percentage in 2023, reflecting her emphasis on fundamentals and efficiency in the field.
Prior to FAU, Smartt spent eight seasons on staff at her alma mater, Troy University, including one year as co-interim head coach in 2022. She helped lead the Trojans to the 2021 NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional following a 37-17 season in which Troy ranked fourth nationally in doubles. A four-year starting student-athlete at Troy, Smartt started 191 games and earned NFCA All-Region honors as a freshman. She graduated in 2014 with a degree in sport and fitness management and transitioned immediately into coaching. Her experience as both a player and coach at the NCAA level provides a strong foundation as she builds the Blazers’ program.
