Upon graduating from Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis in 1993, Smith attended Stanford University, where she played four years for the Cardinal.
During her off-seasons with the WNBA, Smith would work as a production assistant and editor with NBA Entertainment, as well as with the Seattle Storm CR office.
Smith began her coaching career as an assistant under Cathy Inglese at Boston College in the 2003−04 season.
In Smith's three years on VanDerveer's staff, the Cardinal went 87−16 overall, attaining a record of 49−5 in Pac-10 play, while winning two conference tournaments and making the Elite 8 twice.
The Golden Bears won the 2010 WNIT and made postseason appearances in all of Boyle's remaining years as coach.
For the 2012−13 season, Gottlieb promoted Smith to associate head coach, helping to lead a team with high expectations coming off a second round NCAA tournament appearance in 2011−12.