Former Collegiate Standout Lauren Smith Tabbed As FSU Assistant Golf Coach

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University men's and women's golf head coach Mike Mignano has announced the addition of the program's first assistant coach as Lauren Smith was appointed to the newly-created position.

A former collegiate student-athlete at Gardner Webb University, Smith most recently has served for the past year as a graduate assistant coach at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. During her stint at the NCAA Division I school, she assisted with all phases of the program, including leading practice sessions, coaching during tournaments, recruiting and organizing workouts along with various administrative duties.

She joins Mignano and longtime volunteer assistant coach Phil Walling on the FSU staff.

"Lauren brings a wealth of competitive golf knowledge to our programs," Mignano said. "Her experience playing and coaching at the Division I level will be huge assets to our student-athletes. Our coaching philosophies synced up very well and I'm looking forward to Lauren joining the Bulldog Golf Family."

Before joining the Mercer staff, Smith competed at Gardner-Webb University, where she completed an illustrious playing career for the Runnin' Bulldogs in 2013. A four-year starter for GWU, Smith had 15 Top-10 finishes as a mainstay in the Bulldogs' lineup. She was selected as a Big South All-Conference member in 2011 and holds the program record for the lowest round (67).

A native of Kennesaw, Ga., Smith began pursuing golf at the professional level following her graduation from GWU with a degree in Health and Physical Education. In January 2014, Smith moved to Macon to begin work under Ray Cutright at The Idle Hour Course where she organized and ran summer camps while working with youth.

Smith's first foray into the professional circuit was competing in the 2014 LPGA Qualifying School at Rancho Mirage, Calif. After four rounds of action, Smith fell just short of the cut line. She also has competed in other professional events in the southeast.

"I am very excited for this unique opportunity to work with both the Men's and Women's Golf programs at Ferris State," Smith said. "It will be a great learning experience for me. I can't wait to get to work and become part of the Ferris State Bulldog Golf family."

As a collegian, Smith was a Dean's List honoree and also served as president of the school's Physical and Health Education Major Association. She also worked as a volunteer assistant coach at Crest High School in 2013 and spent time as a junior golf staff instructor at the Bridgemill Athletic Club in Canton, Ga.

The standout golfer finished sixth at the 2011 Big South Women's Golf Championships and also earned a spot on the Big South Presidential Honor Roll during her career. Prior to her collegiate career, she attended North Cobb Christian High School where she was a four-year varsity letterwinner and had a standout prep career, including being the 2008 GSGA Jr. State Sectional Champion.

Presently, Smith continues to work toward her Master's Degree in Business and Administration at Mercer.

The Ferris State men's and women's golf programs have a long standing history of success. The Bulldogs have currently qualified for the NCAA Tournament 13-straight years in men's golf while making 13 appearances in the past 14 years in women's golf. Mignano is currently in his ninth year directing both programs.