Brady Smith Looks to Close College Track and Field Career as National Champion

Brady Smith enters his final season as a jumper for the Penn State Behrend Lions as a fifth year member of the program. The Erie, Pennsylvania native and Seneca High product chose to continue his track and field career at PSB for a few key reasons.

(Photos submitted by Brady Smith)

“PSB was the right fit for me because it felt like home. Coming from a small school in Erie County, Behrend felt right. I felt comfortable with everything around me and I felt these coaches were going to help bring me the most success. Having a previous Behrend All-American, Kevin Gardner, to help develop my jumping skill was also a blessing.”

His college track and field career has included being named a three-time First-Team All-CSAC (Colonial States Athletic Conference) in the high jump, three CSAC team titles, an Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) team title and second place finish, becoming a three-time All-American between indoor and outdoor track and field, becoming a USTFCCCA All-Region Indoor performer three times and an USTFCCCA All-Region Outdoor two times, being named the Mideast Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, becoming a NCAA Division III Indoor Championship Qualifier twice, and becoming an NCAA Division III Outdoor Championship Qualifier twice, including finishes of eighth in indoor and third in outdoor so far to his credit.

His favorite memory from track and field to date was his first time qualifying for nationals in 2019 because of the reaction his teammates had for his accomplishment. “It was my last attempt at the conference meet, knowing this was the last meet of the season to qualify. Once I cleared the height, my entire team screamed louder than I ever heard. It was a magical moment knowing my team was beyond excited for my success.”

In the classroom, Smith is finishing up a degree from the Sam and Irene Black School of Business in Marketing with plans to work in marketing research and data analytics in the future. He also hopes his future involves coaching.

“I love coaching and having an impact on people. I want to push athletes to grow but on and off the court, field, rink, whatever it is.”

Best of luck as you go for gold this semester, Brady! Thank you for the chance to highlight your impressive career to this point.