ASK Story

Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft Named Drew University's Director of Athletics; Departing Shenandoah Following 2026 Field Hockey Season

8/17/2026 2:10:00 PM

By: Matt McIntosh '23
WINCHESTER, Va. - Shenandoah University Associate Athletic Director and Head Field Hockey Coach Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft has accepted the Director of Athletics role at Drew University and will depart her position at Shenandoah following the 2026 field hockey season.

Smeltzer-Kraft joined the Shenandoah staff in February 2013 as head field hockey coach. In 2018, she was named the department's Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), before being elevated to assistant athletic director for student-athlete development and outreach in 2022, and finally being named associate athletic director in 2025.

On the field, the Hornets' field hockey coach has won 176 games and 81 conference contests. In 2016, Smeltzer-Kraft led the Hornets to their first ODAC championship and added a second one in 2024. Following the conference championship in 2024, the Hornets hosted an NCAA first-round game for the first time, with SU defeating Westfield State, 11-0.

The Hornets have been awarded six ODAC Rookie of the Year, eight ODAC Player of the Year (offensive/defensive), five ODAC/VAFB Scholar Athlete of the Year, and two ODAC Marjorie Berkley awards during Smeltzer-Kraft's time at SU. She won ODAC Coach of the Year three times. In addition to the major ODAC awards, she has coached 81 All-ODAC honorees.

As an administrator, Smeltzer-Kraft has helped lead community service initiatives and SU's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and has been an athletics liaison for multiple partners across campus.

"I'm deeply honored and grateful for my time at Shenandoah and for the opportunity to serve and contribute to such a special community," Smeltzer-Kraft said. "I greatly value the relationships and experiences that made my time so meaningful, and the opportunity to support our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff. I'm particularly thankful for the chance to build and grow the field hockey program and for the bonds formed with our players and staff along the way. The relationships, memories, and shared experiences will always be among the most meaningful parts of my time at Shenandoah."

Smeltzer-Kraft's final season begins on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with the home opener vs. Thomas College at 7 p.m.

#GoSUHornets

 
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