The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics and Director of Sports Performance Bob Brooks have announced the addition of Trent Smart as Associate Director of Sports Performance.

Smart will serve as the strength & conditioning coach for the Valpo football and women’s basketball programs.

“I decided to come to Valpo because of the University’s storied tradition,” Smart said. “Being a part of the next chapter at this great institution is nothing short of an amazing opportunity. Directly overseeing strength & conditioning for the football and women’s basketball programs gives me a chance to help high-caliber teams pursue their championship aspirations and facilitate growth for not only great athletes, but also outstanding young adults.”

Smart arrives in Northwest Indiana after a stint at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. that began in January 2020. There he served as an assistant strength & conditioning coach, collaborating with other coaches on designing a holistic offseason program for football student-athletes in addition to designing and implementing strength & conditioning programs for women’s soccer and tennis.

Before accepting his position at McNeese State, Smart served as a professional strength & conditioning intern at the University of Cincinnati from May 2019 to January 2020. He is a December 2017 graduate of Ohio University with a degree in management information systems. During his time in Athens, Ohio, he spent four years as a football student-athlete, playing defensive end. He was an elected member of Ohio’s Unity Council, a leadership group that mentored younger players.

A Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Smart also has certifications from USA Weightlifting, the American Red Cross and Functional Range Conditioning. He is expected to finish his master’s degree from McNeese State in health and human performance in July 2021.

What They’re Saying About Coach Smart

Dak Notestine, Ohio University Director of Strength & Conditioning: “Trent is a smart, driven and gritty coach and person. What he sets his mind to, he will accomplish. Coach Smart will represent Valparaiso well and the student-athletes will reap the benefits of the knowledge and dedication that he will bring every day.”

Kyle Little, McNeese State Director of Strength & Conditioning: “Trent is a detail-oriented coach who brings energy and genuinely cares for his student-athletes. Valpo got an extremely intelligent coach who is going to make an immediate impact.”  

Zach Higgins, University of Cincinnati Associate Director of Sports Performance: “Trent is a tremendous human being with the capacity to lead student-athletes not only in the weight room, but in life. He is a passionate, enthusiastic person and is going to make a significant impact on those around him.”