Elon names Charlotte Smith head women's hoops coach

Jun 22, 2011 - 9:03 PM Elon, NC (Sports Network) - Elon has named Charlotte Smith, a former North Carolina standout, its next head women's basketball coach.

Smith had spent the last nine seasons as an assistant at UNC, and becomes the sixth head coach in Elon women's basketball history. She replaces Karen Barefoot, who resigned earlier this month to take the job at Old Dominion.

Smith takes over a program that went 37-58 in three seasons under Barefoot.

"We want a leader with character, integrity and enthusiasm, but I think the number one thing that our players want is a players coach and someone that would really relate to them and continue good strong relationships and unite them as a group," athletic director Dave Blank said.

Blank said the school also wanted a coach who was familiar with North Carolina and had experience creating a winning basketball program.

Smith certainly has that pedigree, having recorded 2,094 points and 1,200 rebounds during her career (1992-95) with the Tar Heels. She was the ACC rookie of the year in 1992 and hit a buzzer-beater in the 1994 NCAA championship game to give UNC a 60-59 win over Louisiana Tech. Smith is also one of two North Carolina women's basketball players to have her jersey (No. 23) retired.

Following her collegiate career, Smith played two seasons in Italy, two seasons in the American Basketball League and eight seasons in the WNBA.