TOWSON, Md. – Wanisha Smith, who played for current Towson University head coach Diane Richardson at Riverdale Baptist High School, has been named an assistant coach for the Tigers.

"I am so fortunate to have Wanisha join our staff," said Richardson. "As her former coach, I know that she has a tremendous work habit and used it to propel her to play at the highest level. She has a love of teaching the game and having an All-American and Hall of Fame player will be invaluable for our young ladies."

"I would first like to thank athletic director Tim Leonard and staff for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this great institution," said Smith. "I would also like to thank Diane Richardson for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm extremely grateful and honored to be a part of her staff. As a player, she pulled out the best in me by pushing me to my fullest potential. She's one of the main reasons why I wanted to become a coach. She is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet who shows interest in the total person, not just the athlete. I'm super excited about working with such a talented group of coaches who have tons of experience. I look forward to learning from each and every one of them on a daily basis. I'm excited about rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."

Smith joins the Tigers after spending the last eight years at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. She played a key role in the development of a Lancers' program that advanced to the 2013 Big South Championship game as the seventh seed in Longwood's first year in the conference. Smith, who worked with the guards, wore many hats during her time in Farmville. She served as the team's equipment manager, alumnae reunion liaison, guard developer, scheduling coordinator and video coordinator. Smith helped with scouting and game-day preparation along with conducting practices within the system.

Smith was a talented player who earned her bachelor of arts degree in women's studies from Duke University in 2008. During her time in Durham, North Carolina she helped the Blue Devils post a record of 119-15, making an appearance in the Final Four, the Elite Eight and the Sweet 16. Smith recorded 1,256 points and still ranks fifth for single-season assists (154) and for career assists (496). She was a four-time ACC Rookie of the Week and her 154 assists during the 2014-15 season set a freshman assist mark. After serving as a team captain during her senior season, she was drafted 27th overall by the New York Liberty. Smith went on to play for the Detroit Shock in the WNBA.

Smith played for Richardson at Riverdale Baptist High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She was a McDonalds, WBCA and Parade All-American in 2004. Smith was honored as the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and the Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year as a senior in 2004. Smith started her high school career in Ohio and was named the Co-Player of the Year in 2002 as a sophomore with Amber Bland and Marscilla Packer. She scored over 2,500 points during her high school career.

In the summer of 2003 she played for the gold medal-winning East Team at the USA Basketball Youth Developmental Festival. She led the team to a 5-0 record and averaged 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and hit 18 of 20 free throws.