Abby Smith

Abby Smith joined James River Day School as a Communications and Marketing Assistant in July 2024. A professional for over 20 years in educational support, leadership, and management, she brings a collaborative mindset as she will also serve on the James River Advancement Team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Lynchburg and a Master of Education in Sports Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

Abby's unique experience in coaching women’s basketball spans Division I, II, and III programs. She began as a graduate assistant at Oakland City University in Indiana, then spent three seasons at Davidson College in North Carolina. Later, she returned to Virginia as an assistant coach at Washington and Lee University, before leading the women’s basketball program at the University of Lynchburg, her alma mater, as Head Coach from 2010 to 2020. Abby’s leadership extended beyond the court, as she served on numerous leadership committees, dedicating herself to even more than just her passion for mentoring and empowering young women. 

 

In 2020, Abby decided to step back from her coaching career to focus on her family, her team at home. In recent years, Abby had the opportunity to substitute teach at James River Day School before working as a Title I Instructional Assistant at Paul Munro Elementary for Lynchburg City Schools. 

 

Originally from Maryland, Abby’s career and personal adventures have taken her to 37 states and nine countries, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, and Spain. When not spending time with family and friends, Abby enjoys the water, seafood, music, decorating, and art, and always looks forward to planning her next adventure with her husband Ben, and their two children, Riley and Jackson.