The University of the Southwest Athletic Department is very excited to name Cassandra "Cass" Smith as the newest Head Coach of the Women's Volleyball team. Smith graduated from University of the Southwest in 2017. She was a member of the Volleyball program as well as the Women's Basketball program from 2013-2016. In 2013 she was named to the RRAC Honorable Mention Team. In 2015 she earned 2nd Team All-Conference, Champions of Character honors, as well as All-Conference Academic team. Smith played in 395 sets during her four years at USW. 
 
"I am excited to see what Cassandra can do in this position," said Athletic Director Steve Appel, "She has been very loyal to not only this Volleyball program, but this institution as a whole. She has seen what potential this program can have and I believe she will do a great job bringing stability to the Volleyball program. It will be fun to finally watch these girls compete again this fall." 
 
On top of her very successful playing career here at USW, Cass just completed her first season as an assistant coach for the program. During that season, the Lady Mustangs finished second in the Red River Athletic Conference during the regular season and finished as the runner-up in the RRAC conference tournament. In her lone season as an assistant coach, she was named the Assistant Coach of the Year in the South-Central Region by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. 
 
"This opportunity is a dream come true, a total blessing.  I'm excited to take over the program that helped mold me and I hope to create an environment where the students may grow.  I'm thankful to my predecessor, Coach Krebs, for taking a chance on me as her assistant and for making this a smooth transition.  I'm excited to hit the ground running with the team come Fall and strengthen our legacy as an elite program and institution." said Smith of taking over the Lady Mustang Program.
 
As for plans after taking over the program, she had this to say "I plan on re-establishing USW as an elite program as well as strengthening the reputation of the institution. I hope to do that through community outreach and making sure that the athletes are set up for a future beyond USW.  Winning off the court will hold as much importance if not more than winning games. Creating a legacy of integrity and success will be something we strive for daily."
 
 
Smith graduated from USW with a Bachelor's in Biology and then earned her Master's degree in Exercise Science from USW in 2020.