Feb. 9, 2006

University of Dayton golf coach Brad Smith will resign his position, effective February 9, it was announced today. Smith cited increased responsibilities with his golfing business as the reason.

"This is a choice I have to make, but not one I want to make," Smith said. "Based on my current set of circumstances, I cannot devote the time I need to either coaching, my family and my business."

Smith has coached the Flyer women's golf team for the last ten seasons, and the men's team for the last five. In 2003, the UD men's team placed fourth in the Atlantic 10, the highest conference finish of any of his teams. The 20-year PGA member , is Director of Instruction at Yankee Trace and has been a certified member of the Professional Clubmaker's Society since 1994. He is owner and operator of the Golf Doctor, a full service golf company located in Springboro, OH.

UD Associate Director of Athletics Joe Owens, the administrator responsible for the golf at Dayton, and women's assistant golf coach Sally Kosters will take over the day-to-day operation of the golf programs for the rest of the season.

"We will miss Brad's passion for golf, his expertise and the commitment he showed to the welfare of our student-athletes," Owens said. "We appreciate the near decade he has been a part of the UD Athletics family and wish him luck as he commits more time to his primary business."

During the fall of 2005, the men's team finished first in the Fall Dayton Invitational and second at the Robert Morris Invitational tournaments. The women's team placed third at the Crosstown Fall Finale. Both programs will begin their spring seasons March 6.

"I think the teams are all set to have strong spring seasons," Smith said. "With the kind of players already on the teams and the caliber of recruits who are coming to the programs, I think they will be in good shape for years to come. I want to wish them a lot of luck in the future."

A search for Smith's successor as UD's golf coach will begin immediately.