"A.J. rose to the top of a very competitive pool of applicants," said Jeffers. "His well thought out plans to recruit and prepare to win were impressive. We look forward to welcoming him to the CAPFAM!"

Smith comes to Capital after most recently serving as the top assistant at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. Prior to his time with the Hornets, Smith spent time working with various programs at the Division II and III levels, as well as on the high school and club circuit as well. He will succeed Dom Marzano who departed the program this summer to move into teaching and coaching at the high school level.

At Shenandoah, Smith served as the coordinator of recruiting, academics, and the defense. In recruiting, Smith helped bring 35 student-athletes from seven different states to the program. Academically, he helped mentor the team to a new high term GPA. On the field, Smith's players excelled under his leadership. In all, he guided three players to All-Conference honors, three to Academic All-State accolades and the program's first defensive All-American in 2018.

Concurrent with his duties at Shenandoah, Smith served as a head coach and recruiting director for Team Maryland club lacrosse.

Smith was no stranger to the Virginia area when starting at Shenandoah as he previously served in assistant coaching roles at both Virginia Wesleyan and Ferrum. During these stops, Smith helped his teams to conference championships, while also coaching numerous players to All-Conference selections. Additionally, he mentored the 2016 SEILC Defensive Player of the Year while at Ferrum.

While working with Ferrum, Smith also served as the Boy's High School Commissioner for the Hampton Roads Lacrosse League in Norfolk, Virginia.

Prior to returning to the Virginia area, Smith spent two seasons with Adams State University in Colorado as a graduate assistant. There he served as the goalie coach and assisted in the recruitment of more than 20 new student-athletes.

Smith currently holds both a CEP Level 1 and Level 2 certification with U.S. Lacrosse.

As a player, Smith played his collegiate lacrosse at both Bellarmine and Virginia Wesleyan prior to earning a selection to represent Team France in the FIL Championship in Israel in 2018. While playing on the international stage, Smith scored four goals and handed out three assists and was named team MVP.