Dames Smith Named Assistant Athletic Director at Concordia
PORTLAND, Ore.—Amy Dames Smith, formerly of Linfield College, has been named Concordia's Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance & Academic Support, effective August 15.
"I am extremely pleased to add someone with Amy's experience to our team. Her background gives her a unique perspective that will prove invaluable for Concordia Athletics," Concordia Athletic Director Matt English said. "Amy will play a key role as we continue to strengthen support programs for student-athletes in pursuit of sustained excellence in both academics and athletics."
Dames Smith spent 10 years as Linfield's compliance coordinator, three years as senior woman administrator and 10 seasons as head coach for the women's tennis team.
"I am honored and truly excited to contribute to the continued success of Concordia Athletics," Dames Smith said. "Concordia has such a strong sense of community, a commitment to athletic and academic excellence, and solid leadership within the administration and coaching staff. I am truly looking forward to serving the student-athletes and campus community within my new role."
Dames Smith will manage functions related to compliance, eligibility, financial aid and academic support for over 300 student-athletes across 15 varsity programs. In addition, Dames Smith will also serve as Concordia's Senior Woman Administrator, and will take an active role in the department's decision making process.
As head coach, Dames Smith was a four-time Northwest Conference Coach of the Year honoree while guiding the Wildcats to six NWC titles, including a school record 18-0 league mark in 2006. During her first five seasons, Linfield did not lose a single NWC match, part of a conference-record 108 NWC win streak. She departs with an overall win-loss record of 159-54, including a staggering in-conference record of 143-9. A 1999 graduate of the University of Portland, Dames Smith was a three-year letterwinner for the Pilots while earning a degree in secondary education.
"Linfield was such a great place to start because of the varied experience I received within the different roles I served in there. I had the privilege to coach some phenomenal teams, but I am ready and excited to take on more within athletic administration," Dames Smith said. "Linfield is a special place, full of wonderful people, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found the same in Concordia."