Smartt replaces AJ Daugherty to lead UAB softball:
GDW Analysis:
BIRMINGHAM:
UAB Director of Athletics Mark Ingram has announced Taylor Smartt as the new head coach of the UAB Softball program. Smartt becomes the 5th head coach in UAB Softball history.
Smartt replaces AJ Daugherty, who coached the program for three years. Daugherty, a former head coach at Wallace State Community College, left UAB and is now athletic director at Calhoun Community College in Decatur.
The Troy, Alabama native comes to Birmingham after a two-year stint with current conference opponent FAU. She was the associate head coach and assistant coach during her time in Boca Raton. During her time at FAU she helped the Owls to a 76-36 record and an NCAA regional appearance in 2024. Smartt was in charge of the defense while at FAU, boasting a .974 fielding percentage in 2023.
"Taylor's enthusiasm and energy for being at UAB was evident when we met with her," said Ingram. "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."
Prior to FAU, Smartt spent eight seasons as a member of the staff at her alma mater Troy University.
While Smartt was at Troy, she spent one year as the team's co-interim head coach in 2022. She spent seven years as an assistant coach with the Trojans before starting her coaching career in 2015 as a volunteer assistant coach. Smartt has led both FAU and Troy to NCAA regional appearances, when she helped Troy appear in the 2021 Tuscaloosa Regional. During that historic 2021 season, Smartt helped guide the Trojans to a 37-17 record while ranking 4th in the nation in doubles (98).
"I want to thank Athletic Director Mark Ingram and Deputy Athletic Director Dan Carlson for giving me the opportunity to serve as the next Head Softball Coach at UAB," said Smartt. "I am excited to join the UAB athletic department and become a UAB Blazer. This opportunity to lead the Blazer softball program is an absolute honor and privilege and wouldn't be possible without Beth Mullins and Jordan Clark having the confidence in me to help build their programs and develop successful young women. The Lord continues to open doors that have led me to this moment and I am blessed to get to wear the green and gold. I am excited to return to Alabama, the state I have grown up in and love dearly. I look forward to competing for conference championships and helping our student-athletes achieve their dreams on and off the field."
Former West Point standout Carlie Wilkins has played two years with UAB.
Wilkins has spent time in the infield for the Lady Blazers. She was recruited by Daugherty as a pitcher during her time in a West Point uniform.
UAB is a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC)
Photo of Taylor Smartt, courtesy of UAB media relations.
"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. We will positively impact the Birmingham community, compete for championships and continue to empower and grow young confident women."
Prior to FAU, Smartt spent eight seasons as a member of the staff at her alma mater Troy University.
