Skiing Coach Lisa Smyth Resigns, Harvard Squad Begins Search for New Leader

Harvard alpine skiing coach Lisa Smyth resigned last month after five years as coach of the Crimson downhill squad.

She cited a recent move back to her home in Chicago and the beginning of doctoral work in the fall as reasons for her departure.

“I’ve been here for five years, I’ve reorganized things,” Smyth said. “I’ll miss the ski team hugely.”

The team does not have any replacement candidates yet but hopes to begin the search soon, in order to be ready for preseason training in the fall.

Steve Staples, associate athletic director of external relations and liaison for the ski teams within the athletic department, will be in charge of hiring a new coach. The captains, as well as Nordic coach Peter Graves, also hope to have input in the process.

“We haven’t started searching, but obviously we want to get [a new coach] as soon as possible,” said junior women’s alpine captain Molly Simmons.