COLUMBUS, Ohio - A.J. Smith, a former Virginia Wesleyan men's lacrosse player, was named the next head coach of the Capital University Crusaders in late July. Smith will move to the Columbus area from Maryland to begin his work in early August.

Smith has served as an assistant coach a several colleges including time as an assistant coach with the Marlins (2017-2018), the Panthers of Ferrum College (2014-2017), and the Hornets of Shenandoah University (2018-2021). Prior to his times are FC and SU, he attended grad school at Adams State University where was a graduate assistant coach for the Grizzlies. While at Ferrum, Smith helped the Panthers to the SEILC Conference Championship in back to back seasons in 2015 and 2016. Following both seasons, Smith's defense produced the SEILC Defensive Players of the Year and three All-State honorees. 

In 2018, Smith competed for Team France in the FIL World Lacrosse Championships. While helping Team France through the Green pool along with Germany and Korea, Smith had four goals and three assists as a long pole defender in the teams four wins. Included in this total is a hat trick in a 16-6 victory over Russia and he was later named as Team MVP for the French national squad.

A 2011 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan, Smith played three years for the Marlins after transferring from Bellarmine University where he played his freshman season.