BROOKLYN, N.Y. - LIU Athletics Director Dr. William E. Martinov Jr. announced Tuesday that the University has tabbed Robert Smith to helm the men's and women's swimming & diving programs. Smith comes to the Sharks after six years as the head coach at Adelphi.
 
"We are excited to welcome Robert Smith to the Shark family," Martinov said. "Coach Smith has a demonstrated record of success leading swimming and diving programs, knows the area, and knows what it takes to compete at the Division I level as a decorated swimmer himself. We are excited to have him join Shark nation!"
 
Smith comes to LIU after spending six season leading Adelphi's men's and women's swimming & diving programs. There, he oversaw teams that set 26 new program records, and 20 NEC-10 weekly honorees, and saw the team earn 12 straight CSCAA Scholar All-America team honors. And in 2020, he coached an athlete to an NCAA championship qualifying standard.  
 
Prior to his time at Adelphi, Smith spent time as both a swim coach and a strength coach at Islanders Aquatics in Sayville, N.Y. and Professional Athletic Performance Center in Garden City. At Islanders Aquatics, he served as the assistant coach of the national group, with his main duties focusing on technique building, sprint workouts and race strategy, while also overseeing dry-land, speed, strength and agility workouts.

"I am extremely honored to share in the excellence of the LIU Swim and Dive program," Smith said. I look forward to continuing the outstanding legacy the Sharks have built. With the steadfast support of the University and the athletic department, I am excited to take this team to the top of the Northeast Conference and cultivate an unforgettable experience for the student-athletes. Fins up!"
 
Smith is a decorated swimmer in his own right. A seven-time Metropolitan Masters Record Holder, he was also a 2014 USLA National Champion and US High Performance Team Member.
 
Smith swam for head coach Chuck Knowles at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a team captain, four-year team member, and a six-time Big East championship finalist.
 
Smith graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in psychology in 2011. A native of Copaigue, N.Y., Smith was an All-County, All-State and All-American swimmer at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School and was a New York State champion in the 200 IM in 2007.