Smeak Selected as Associate Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–William Penn University Athletics Director Nik Rule is proud to announce that Corrine Smeak has been hired as Associate Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach.
Smeak comes to WPU after serving as the Head Girls’ Lacrosse Coach at Wharton High School in Florida since 2013. She will coordinate the day-to-day operations of the women’s program under Director of Lacrosse Luke Christiansen, who is also the men’s head coach.
“Corri brings an energy and enthusiasm for coaching, developing people, and recruiting that was unmatched in our hiring process,” Rule said. “Her vision for women’s lacrosse at William Penn aligned with ours as an institution. She is going to be a high achiever here; we cannot wait for the first draw for WPU women’s lacrosse!”
A 2009 graduate of St. Francis University (Pa.) with a degree in Elementary and Secondary Education, Smeak also taught English at Wharton HS. As an undergrad, she was a four-year letterwinner and two-time team captain. She was also a Dean’s List member and was active in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for two years.
“I am excited to be a part of Statesmen Nation and help build the women’s lacrosse program from the beginning,” Smeak said. “This is a great opportunity to help grow the sport in Iowa and the NAIA. This is also a chance to not only grow as a coach and a person, but to start new traditions within the program and with the athletes coming to William Penn.”
Smeak has played a huge role in the development of the game in Florida, coaching the New Tampa Lacrosse squad for several seasons. She has also served on numerous boards within the state.
“Women’s lacrosse has an extremely bright future at William Penn, and Corri helps position us to be a major player in the NAIA,” Christiansen said. “She came very highly recommend from some of the top coaches in the league, and I am excited to see what our women’s program can accomplish.”
Smeak, who has Level 1 and Level 2 coaching certificates within US Lacrosse, is also a trainer for the US Lacrosse Coaching Education program since 2016.
