DES MOINES, Iowa -- Drake University Director of Athletics Brian Hardin announced the hiring of Steve Smith as women's golf interim head coach on Friday (Feb. 18). Smith will bring 33 years of coaching experience to Drake and has been an assistant golf professional at Hyperion Field Club since April of 2020. Rachael Pruett-Hornbaker resigned as the women's golf head coach at Drake in January.
 
"We are so fortunate to have someone like Steve ready to lead our women's golf program this spring," Hardin said. "His knowledge of the game, experience coaching successful golfers and ability to connect with individuals will be tremendous assets for our student-athletes. We are grateful for his willingness to accept this opportunity."
 
Before working at Hyperion Field Club, Smith was the head boys and girls golf coach as well as a teacher at Johnston High School from 1991-2020 earning District Coach of the Year honors on five occasions. In 2018, Smith was nominated for National Coach of the Year by the Iowa High School Golf Coach Association.
 
"I am so excited to join the women's golf team at Drake University," Smith said. "It is a great opportunity for me to help the team continue the success that has built here. I would like to thank Brian Hardin for the chance to continue coaching. It is truly a dream come true."
 
Smith's first coaching position was from 1987-1991 when he was the head girls golf coach at Norwalk High School. Smith was an all-conference golfer in 1985 and 1986 at Truman State University.
 
Drake women's golf opens its spring season at the Islander Classic Feb. 21-22 in San Antonio, Texas.