Tulsa Softball Adds Sandra Smith As Assistant Coach

TULSA, Okla. — The University of Tulsa head softball coach John Bargfeldt announced on Thursday that he has added Sandra Smith as an assistant coach, effective immediately.

"We are lucky to find a highly recommended and experienced coach who wants to make Tulsa her home," Bargfeldt said. "I heard nothing but high praises from her previous head coach and former players. Sandra has 10 years of Division I playing and coaching experience and had a hand in all phases of the program at her previous school. She will coach outfielders, assist with hitting instruction and recruiting as well as serving as our first base coach."

"I am very excited to join the coaching staff and the incredible program that Coach Bargfeldt and Coach Strimple have built here at TU," Smith said. "As a Tulsa native, I have always been aware of the successes and reputation of Golden Hurricane softball. I am looking forward to working with the student-athletes, they are obviously a talented group of young women. Growing up here in Tulsa, I am beyond thrilled to be part of this program and I will take tremendous pride in representing this university."

A Tulsa native, Smith comes to the Golden Hurricane after spending the last five seasons (2013-17) as an assistant coach at Furman. There she was responsible for developing the Paladin hitters, infielders and catchers along with coordinating the team's travel.

She helped guide Furman to 151 victories during her tenure, including 30-win seasons each of her final three campaigns. Smith was instrumental to the success of the Paladin offense as the team saw an increase in its batting average each of her first four seasons, culminating with a .301 mark in 2016. That 2016 squad set school records with 99 doubles and 59 home runs, including a program-record 15 homers by Candace Johnson.

Furman registered 31 wins and a share of the program's first Southern Conference title in 22 years in 2017 and the staff earned the league's Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

Several Furman players received recognition for their play under Smith's tutelage, including Lindsey Bert, who was named the 2017 SoCon Pitcher of the Year, and Casey Bigham, the league's Freshman of the Year last season. Additionally, shortstop Brittany Houston joined Bigham and Bert as first-team all-conference picks.

Smith also mentored shortstop Sieara Bishop, who was named 2015 SoCon Player of the Year. In all, Furman student-athletes garnered 20 all-conference selections, while five players claimed a spot on the league's all-freshman team.

Prior to her time at Furman, Smith served as an assistant softball coach at Rogers [Ark.] High School in 2012. She also worked as a private hitting and infield instructor for two seasons and helped coach the Springdale Chicks U-15 team in the summer of 2012.

Smith enjoyed a successful playing career at Arkansas, where she still owns the program's single-season RBI record with 50 as a senior in 2010. That season she hit .326 with nine home runs and was an NFCA All-South Region selection. Smith, who mostly played at third or first base, recorded a .995 fielding percentage and earned a spot on the league's All-Defensive Team, as well.

She ranks among the program's all-time top 10 in several categories, including walks (103/2nd), homers (29/3rd), RBIs (118/4th), on-base percentage (.372/7th), slugging percentage (.456/8th), total bases (266/8th) and putouts (663/9th).

Smith, who was a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, graduated from Arkansas in 2010 with degrees in education and kinesiology.

Before her time in Fayetteville, Smith earned all-state honors as a standout at Catoosa High School and led the Indians to district and conference championships as a senior.

Tulsa Softball Adds Sandra Smith As Assistant Coach

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