Todd Smith grew up with a ball planted in his palm, hearing the screech of shoes on the court and watching his father, Tom Smith – now coach for Missouri Western State University – coach college basketball for more thanthree decades. With basketball in his blood, Smith jumped at the chance to help shape the budding basketball program at UST.

Smith joined The University of St. Thomas June 1, 2008 as athletic director and men’s basketball coach. He served as the top assistant basketball coach at Rice University from 1996 to 2007. On the basketball court, his duties included player development, strength and conditioning, and the planning and implementation of daily practices. When not on the floor working with one of the Owls, Smith's responsibilities included scheduling, travel, fundraising, academics, office administration and summer camp. As the camp director, Smith built the Rice Owls basketball camp into one of the biggest and best in Texas, handling nearly 1,500 campers each summer.

Smith is known for his aptitude for recruiting talented athletes. His very first recruiting class included NBA journeyman Mike Wilks. Smith also recruited 2006 Conference USA Player of the Year and Utah Jazz member Morris Almond, along with former Houston Rocket Michael Harris.

He earned his bachelor of science in physical education and communications from Valparaiso University in 1989. Smith was a four-year basketball letterman at Valparaiso University. Smith ended his collegiate career with 368 assists, placing him fifth on the Crusaders all-time assists list. Smith is also tenth on the career steals list for the Crusaders.

He and his wife Ketti (Rice, ’89) reside in Pearland, and have three sons, Turner, Tate, Jace and a daughter, Sadie.