Todd Smith joined the University of St. Thomas in June 2008 as Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach, bringing nearly two decades of NCAA Division I coaching experience from Rice University. Since his arrival, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the university's athletics program into one recognized for competitive excellence, academic achievement, and student-athlete development.
Under Smith's leadership, the St. Thomas athletics department has expanded from two varsity sports to 19, significantly increasing student-athlete participation, staffing, and operational resources. Today, the department operates with an annual budget approaching $4 million and a staff of 15 full-time employees. Smith successfully guided the department through its transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division III while establishing a culture centered on integrity, academic success, and competitive achievement.
During his tenure, Celt Athletics has captured 20 conference championships, while producing numerous All-Americans and Academic All-Americans. The department has consistently maintained a student-athlete grade point average above 3.0 and earned the Red River Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award for five consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Smith also made a lasting impact as head coach of the men's basketball program from 2009–10 through 2014–15. In six seasons, he compiled a 101–77 record, leading the Celts to steady improvement each year. His 2012–13 team finished 28–6, achieved a Top 25 national ranking, placed second in the RRAC regular-season standings, and captured the RRAC Tournament Championship with a 67–51 victory over SAGU on its home court. St. Thomas advanced to the NAIA National Tournament, where it narrowly fell 70–68 to eventual national champion Georgetown College.
A former standout player at Valparaiso University, Smith remains among the program's career leaders in assists. Following his collegiate playing career, he began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant at Rice University before serving 18 years as an assistant coach with the Owls.
Todd and his wife, Ketti, reside in Pearland, Texas, and are the proud parents of four children: Turner, Tate, Jace, and Sadie.
