Lauren Smith begins her first season as head coach for Academy of Art University cheer/dance.
Originally from New Jersey, Smith attended the University of Houston where she graduated with honors with a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology (the science of human movement) with a focus in Exercise Science. Her minor is in Nutrition and Business Administration. Lauren, having a passion for health and wellness, has 11 years of experience with personal training, group exercise, and pilates.
No stranger to the fitness and athletic world, Lauren has been active from a very young age. She participated and competed in dance, volleyball, softball and track (her most prestigious sport). Lauren graduated from Langham Creek High School in Houston, TX, where she was Texas 5A State Track and Field Champion in 100-meter hurdles and finished second in the 300-meter hurdles. She was a four-year track & field athlete and Team Captain at the University of Houston. Smith is an USA Junior All-American, Conference USA Indoor Champion (200m- 2001; 60m hurdles- 2003), Conference USA Outdoor Champion (100m hurdles- 2001, 4x4- 2001;2002), and University of Houston MVP. Lauren qualified and was a semi-finalist in the USA Championships as well as the Olympic Trials. She was also a finalist at the USA Indoor Championship. She currently competes nationally and internationally as a representative of the USA Track and Field Team.
