Caryl Smith Gilbert, the new Director for Track and Field at the University of Georgia, addressed members of the media Monday afternoon.
Smith Gilbert is making history at UGA as the first female to lead a men’s team at the university.
“Yes, I think it’s a very historical moment, I commend President Morehead and Josh [Athletic Director Josh Brooks] for bringing me in to be a part of this trailblazing opportunity, I should say,” according to Smith Gilbert. “I’m excited it about it, and I think it’s an opportunity to open more doors so athletic directors and staffs Athletic Director Josh Brooks also spoke to attendees. “I think when you have an open mind, and you really seek after the best people and you don’t just think in one small category; you see that there are a bunch of talented females and females of color and I’m proud of that,” Brooks said. “And I do hope we are opening doors because I want young girls and young women in this community to understand that they can be Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert one day.”
Smith Gilbert will head both the men’s and women’s teams at UGA. She comes to Georgia from USC, where she led the Trojans’ men’s women’s teams for the past eight years. “I never wanted to be termed as the best female coach or the best Black female coach. I just want to be the best coach; I want to be the greatest coach of all time.
She replaces outgoing Head Coach Petros Kyprianou.
