DeSales High School is proud to announce the hiring of Ryan Smith as the school’s new Athletic Director, bringing experienced leadership, strong Catholic values, and tremendous energy to our growing athletics program.
Smith, who has served as DeSales’ Head Lacrosse Coach and Enrollment Coordinator since January 2026, steps into the Athletic Director role at an exciting time for the school. DeSales continues to experience significant growth and momentum both academically and athletically, making Smith’s leadership a timely and meaningful addition to the school community.
A longtime lacrosse coach and former Assistant Athletic Director at Collegiate School, Smith brings a strong background in student-athlete development, program leadership, and community engagement within the school. His experience as both a coach and administrator has prepared him to support DeSales student-athletes, coaches, and families while helping advance the school’s mission.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Athletic Director at DeSales High School. Since joining the DeSales community, I have gained a deep appreciation for the school’s proud athletic brotherhood, passionate alumni base, and commitment to developing student-athletes of character and faith. I understand the high expectations associated with this role and look forward to working collaboratively with our coaches, families, alumni, and supporters to continue strengthening the athletic department and creating outstanding experiences for our student-athletes.” Smith said.
Smith and his family are deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and are parishioners at St. Albert the Great Parish. His family’s Catholic tradition and commitment to faith-based education align strongly with the mission and values of DeSales High School.
As Athletic Director, Smith will oversee DeSales’ athletic programs, support coaches and student-athletes, and help build upon the school’s strong tradition of competitive excellence, character formation, and brotherhood. He enters the position with great enthusiasm and a clear commitment to strengthening the student-athlete experience.
“What stands out most to me about DeSales is the strong sense of tradition and pride that is deeply rooted throughout the community, while also maintaining a shared commitment to growth, progress, and excellence. There is a genuine investment in providing meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to develop not only competitively, but also as leaders, teammates, and young men of character both on and off the field and court.” Smith said.
The DeSales community looks forward to welcoming Smith into this new leadership role and supporting the continued growth of Colt athletics under his direction.
About DeSales High School
St. Francis DeSales High School shapes young men to be moral, ethical, and responsible leaders by providing a personal, comprehensive, Catholic education based on the pillars of Faith • Brotherhood • Tradition.