KEENE, N.H. – Keene State College Director of Athletics Marty Testo has announced the hiring of Leslie Smith as the next head coach of the Owls' field hockey program. Smith brings nearly a decade of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, II, and Division III levels, along with national championship pedigree and extensive involvement with USA Field Hockey.
 
Smith most recently served as an assistant coach at the University of Maine, where she helped guide the Black Bears to three consecutive America East Tournament semifinal appearances (2023, 2024, 2025). During her tenure, Maine developed nine All-America East selections, three All-Region honorees, and two All-Rookie Team members. Her responsibilities included on-field technical development, recruiting, defensive penalty corner units, video analysis, and daily program operations.
 
Prior to Maine, Smith coached at Providence College (2021–23), where she helped develop All-BIG EAST and All-Region players while contributing to recruiting, game preparation, video analysis, and program management. She also served as a key liaison to parents, sports medicine, and performance staff.
 
Smith's additional coaching experience includes assistant coaching roles at Shippensburg University, Colby College, and Middlebury College. At Middlebury, she was a member of the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship and NESCAC Championship coaching staff, which was recognized as both National and Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. Across her collegiate coaching career, Smith has contributed to the development of dozens of all-conference, all-region, and All-American student-athletes.

"Leslie is an exceptional coach, mentor, and leader. Her championship background, commitment to student-athlete development, and experience across highly competitive conferences make her an outstanding fit for Keene State and our field hockey program," said Testo.    "She has a deep understanding of what makes Division III athletics special. She is committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, compete at a high level, and fully engage in the campus community."

In addition to her collegiate coaching background, Smith has been deeply involved with USA Field Hockey for more than a decade. She currently serves as a Level II Coach in the USA Field Hockey Nexus Program and was named Site Director for the Region 3 site in 2025. She has also served as a regional selector since 2020 and holds both USA Field Hockey and International Hockey Federation (FIH) Level II coaching certifications.
 
"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Keene State College field hockey program as the next head coach. It's an honor to become part of a program with a deep sense of community, growth, and competitive excellence. I'm incredibly grateful to the many individuals who have been pivotal in my coaching journey and helped prepare me for this role, as well as to my family, who have supported my passion for field hockey since I was a kid," said Smith.

"I want to sincerely thank the search committee—especially committee chair Abe Osheyack—and Athletic Director Marty Testo for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this program. I'm excited to get started and begin working with our student-athletes as we prepare to compete for another LEC championship, and more!"

""Beyond her on-field success, Leslie understands how to build a program grounded in culture, accountability, and connection. She values the full student-athlete experience, and we're confident she will elevate our field hockey program while aligning perfectly with Keene State's mission," added Testo.

A former standout student-athlete, Smith was inducted into the Hershey High School Hall of Fame in 2024 and competed as a member of the USA Field Hockey U16 National Team. She played collegiate field hockey at the University of Michigan, suiting up over 80 times for the Maize and Blue and scoring 32 goals along with 30 assists and reaching the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2012.
 
Smith earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of the 2022 WeCOACH NCAA Women Coaches Academy.   She succeeds Amy Watson, KSC's long-time coach who retired at the conclusion of the 2025 season.She will begin her duties on February 16.    Keene State, the two-time defending LEC tournament champions, open play next fall.