Carroll University’s assistant coach and hitting coordinator Bianca Smith is moving to the big time- accepting a position with the Boston Red Sox as a minor league coach becoming the first black woman to be in that position.
Smith told reporters on a Zoom call Thursday that everything is still surreal.
“When I accepted the offer, I really just wanted to coach. I didn’t really think about how big this was. For me, it was- I get a coaching job where I just get to focus on coaching. That was awesome. Seeing the impact it’s had on other people, it’s still really cool. I like the idea that my story can still inspire other people,” said Smith.
Smith will still be employed at Carroll University until mid-February. She will then head to Florida to be the coach for the GCL Red Sox (Gulf Coast League).
Athletic Director at Carroll University Mike Schulist has worked with Smith for over 2 years. He says it’s a big loss for the educational institution, players, and staff but her advancement didn’t come as a surprise.
“The contributions she’s made to this department the last few years will be very much felt and missed,” Schulist said. “It’s been cool to see the progression of respect that she’s earned over the last 2 years.”
Smith has advice for women who strive to advance in the sports sector.
“Now that I’m in this position, I’m hoping to be that person that they can see that looks like them and give them the idea that, hey, I can do this. Sometimes it’s not the idea that I can’t do it- it’s that you never thought about it because you don’t see anybody who looks like you.”
Smith reports to the Boston Red Sox’s spring training site in Florida on February 19. The team is based out of Fort Myers.
Hear more of the interview with Athletic Director at Carroll University Mike Schulist about his colleague by clicking on the link above.
