In a move that resonates with the rich tradition and familial spirit of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program, former player Jas Smith is returning to her alma mater, this time in a pivotal off-court role as the new Director of Operations. This announcement has been met with excitement and a sense of homecoming, as it brings back a beloved alumna who understands the unique culture and high expectations associated with Fighting Irish basketball.
The appointment of Jas Smith comes at a crucial time for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. Following a season that saw them reach the Sweet Sixteen but also experience significant roster changes due to eligibility and transfers, head coach Niele Ivey is focused on building a strong foundation for future success. Bringing in someone with Smith’s intimate knowledge of the program, combined with her evolving professional experience, is a strategic decision aimed at reinforcing the program’s core values and operational efficiency.
Jas Smith is no stranger to the iconic golden dome and the rigorous demands of Notre Dame athletics. She was a prominent member of the Notre Dame women’s basketball team, having graduated in 2016 with a degree in information technology management. During her time as a student-athlete, she was immersed in the program’s winning tradition, undoubtedly learning valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance under the tutelage of legendary coach Muffet McGraw. Her experience as a player provides her with an invaluable perspective – she understands the daily lives of the student-athletes, the pressures they face, and the support systems they need to thrive both on and off the court. This firsthand understanding is a distinct advantage for a Director of Operations, allowing her to anticipate needs and provide empathetic, effective support.
After her graduation, Smith embarked on a diverse professional journey that has seemingly prepared her for this multifaceted role. She gained experience in university administration, serving as the assistant director of undergraduate admission at Nova Southeastern University. This role would have honed her organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage complex processes – all crucial for operations in a high-level athletic program.
Perhaps even more directly relevant, Smith returned to Notre Dame in a different capacity previously, serving as the coordinator of on-campus recruiting for the Notre Dame football program from 2018 to 2021. This stint within the athletic department, even if in a different sport, would have provided her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of NCAA compliance, recruiting logistics, and the day-to-day demands of managing a high-profile sports program. Her time with the football team, a program known for its meticulous organization, would have been an invaluable apprenticeship in high-level sports operations.
Most recently, prior to her return to women’s basketball, Smith reportedly served as the Director of Operations for LSU’s football team. This experience at another SEC powerhouse, managing the operational complexities of a large football program, further underscores her qualifications for this new role. It speaks volumes about her capabilities that she held such a significant position at a prominent university, demonstrating her ability to handle large-scale logistics, manage budgets, and coordinate diverse groups of individuals.
The Director of Operations (DOBO) in a college basketball program is often referred to as the “glue” or the “chief of staff.” It is a role that demands exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to multitask efficiently. While they do not engage in on-court coaching, their responsibilities are vast and critical to the smooth functioning of the entire program.
Key responsibilities of a Director of Operations typically include:
- Travel Logistics: Planning and coordinating all team travel, including flights, buses, hotels, meals, and practice facilities for road trips. This is a monumental task, especially for a program like Notre Dame with a national schedule.
- Budget Management: Overseeing and managing the program’s operational budget, tracking expenses, and ensuring financial compliance.
- Scheduling: Assisting the head coach with scheduling games, practices, facility usage, and player appearances.
- Team Activities Coordination: Organizing team events, community service initiatives, and academic support services for student-athletes.
- Compliance Liaison: Working closely with the university’s compliance office to ensure adherence to all NCAA rules and regulations, particularly concerning recruiting activities and player eligibility.
- Recruiting Support: While not directly recruiting, the DOBO manages the logistical aspects of recruiting visits, including itineraries, accommodations, and communication with prospective student-athletes and their families.
- Equipment and Apparel: Coordinating the ordering, inventory, and distribution of team equipment and apparel.
- Administrative Support: Providing comprehensive administrative support to the head coach and the entire coaching staff.
- Alumni Relations: Often assisting with outreach and engagement with program alumni.
In essence, the Director of Operations is the person who makes sure everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes, allowing the coaches to focus on coaching and the players to focus on their academic and athletic pursuits. Their efficiency directly impacts the program’s ability to recruit, develop, and perform at an elite level.
For Notre Dame women’s basketball, bringing Jas Smith back as Director of Operations is a shrewd and impactful move for several reasons:
- Institutional Knowledge and Culture Fit: As an alumna and former player, Smith deeply understands the Notre Dame ethos, academic rigor, and athletic tradition. She knows what it takes to succeed there, both as a student and an athlete. This cultural alignment is invaluable in maintaining the program’s unique identity.
- Player Empathy: Having walked in the shoes of the current student-athletes, Smith can connect with them on a different level. She understands the stresses of academics, practice, travel, and competition, allowing her to provide more targeted and empathetic support.
- Operational Expertise: Her recent experience as a Director of Operations for a major college football program (LSU) demonstrates her capacity to handle the complex logistical demands of high-level athletics. This isn’t her first rodeo; she’s stepping into the role with proven capabilities.
- Strengthening the Support Staff: A strong and efficient operations team allows Coach Niele Ivey and her coaching staff to dedicate their full energy to coaching, strategizing, and recruiting. By taking the administrative burden off their shoulders, Smith empowers the entire staff to be more effective.
- Recruiting Advantage: While not a recruiter herself, Smith’s presence as a successful alumna who intimately understands the Notre Dame experience can be a powerful, subtle asset in recruiting. She can speak authentically about the student-athlete journey at Notre Dame, providing valuable perspective to prospective players and their families.
- Consistency and Stability: In an era of increasing turnover in college sports, bringing back a familiar face in a critical support role can provide a sense of stability and continuity, both internally and externally.
The Notre Dame women’s basketball program is navigating a period of transition, with key players departing and new talent arriving. The re-integration of Jas Smith, a trusted alumna with proven operational acumen, into the staff signals a commitment to reinforcing the strong foundations of the program. Her return is more than just a personnel change; it’s a strategic embrace of Notre Dame’s past to powerfully shape its future, ensuring that the Fighting Irish continue to operate at an elite level, both on and off the court.
