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Charmin Smith begins her third season as an assistant coach on Tara VanDerveer's coaching staff. Smith, a 1997 graduate of Stanford, helped the Cardinal to three Pac-10 titles and played in three NCAA Final Fours.
Smith's duties include recruiting, scouting and player development. Last year, Smith also spearheaded the Katrina Assist Pledge Program, a fundraising effort in conjunction with Peninsula Habitat designed to aid Operation Home Delivery, a nationwide effort created to rebuild homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The event raised over $18,000 overall.
Smith, who was hired on May, 28, 2004, came back to Stanford after spending one season as an assistant coach at Boston College. Smith helped the Eagles to one of their most successful seasons in school history, as they won their first Big East title, received their highest seed (No. 3) heading into the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Mideast Regional Semifinals before falling to Minnesota.
Prior to her stint in Chestnut Hill, Mass., Smith played professionally for three years from 1999-2001 with the Seattle Storm and the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA. Smith played for the Portland Power in the ABL from 1997-98 and she also spent one season in the Swedish Basketball League (2003). She also spent two seasons as a production assistant and editor with NBA Entertainment, where she aided in production of several national NBA broadcasts.
Smith was also involved in numerous community service activities, serving as a team spokesperson for the Seattle Storm. She was an integral part of the "Stormin' the Sound" initiative, a speaking program aimed at promoting the Storm to children's and adult groups.
A four-year letterwinner at Stanford, Smith earned her Bachelor's and Master's in civil and environmental engineering. She was a two-time recipient of the Coaches' Award (1994, 1997) and was also named the team's Most Improved Player in 1995.