Sports
Shenneika Smith – Women's Basketball Coach – St. Johns Athletics
Shenneika Smith, one of the most decorated players to ever suit up for St. John’s, was named assistant coach of the Red Storm women’s basketball program before the start of the 2018-19 campaign.
Smith finished her seventh season as a member of the St. John’s staff and sixth as an assistant coach. She continues to climb the ranks, as she had previously served and an assistant director of operations in 2017-18 and as the third assistant on the staff from 2018-present.
Smith played a critical role in the development of six newcomers in 2022-23 and helped guide the program to a 23-9 record and an NCAA Tournament victory.
On Feb. 21, 2023, Smith was on the sidelines for the Johnnies monumental win over No. 4/5 UConn in Hartford. The victory marked the highest-ranked since Smith hit the game-winner to down the then-No. 2 Huskies on Feb. 18, 2012, snapping UConn’s 99-game home winning streak.
In her first season as an assistant coach in 2018-19, Smith helped coach the Red Storm to an 81-74 upset over then-No. 8/7 Marquette. This win marked the best for the program in terms of national rankings since Feb. 18, 2012, when the Johnnies knocked off No. 2/2 UConn. In that game Smith netted a last second three-pointer to snap the Huskies’ 99-game home-court winning streak.
Over the last two seasons as an assistant coach, Smith has played an instrumental role in both recruiting and player development.
Smith was St. John’s second-ever WNBA draft pick after being selected 25th overall by the New York Liberty in the 2013 draft. Smith played four years of professional basketball and spend six seasons with the Jamaican National Team.
Professionally, Smith spent time with the Liberty, Connecticut Sun, Quinta Dos Lombos (Portugal), Ipswich (Australia), Nevsehir (Turkey) and Uni Girona (Spain). Additionally, Smith led the Jamaican National Team to the 2014 FIBA Women CBC Championship.
While at St. John’s, Smith led the team in scoring in each of her final three seasons. The former St. John’s standout garnered a slew of accolades for the Red Storm including 2013 WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, 2012 All-Met Player of the Year, two-time All-BIG EAST First Team selection and a two-time All-Met First Team honoree.
Smith scored 1,727 points during her collegiate career, the fifth-highest total in program history. The Brooklyn native also pulled down 783 boards during her playing days becoming one of only seven Johnnies to grab more then 750 rebounds during a career.
Smith’s best season came as a senior in 2012-13 when she led the squad with 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. For her efforts, she was named to the All-Met First Team along with being recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) as an All-America Honorable Mention. The former guard was also recognized by the conference, earning a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team.
As a junior, Smith led the squad in scoring for the second-straight season with 12.5 points per game. Her stellar effort earned her the 2012 All-Met Player of the Year award. Additionally, Smith received WBCA Regional All-American accolades, as well as a spot on the All-BIG EAST first team and the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team, becoming the first St. John’s player to achieve the mark since 1988.
During her sophomore campaign, Smith led the team in scoring with 12.2 points per game, earning her a spot on the All-BIG EAST Second Team as well as All-Met Second Team. She also earned a spot on the 2010-11 Preseason Naismith Trophy Award Watch List. In addition to her personal accomplishments, Smith helped lead the Red Storm to a 22-11 record and the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
During her rookie campaign in 2009-10, Smith was second on the team in scoring, assists and steals averaging 12.9 points per contest, while dishing out 53 assists, and grabbing a total 47 steals. Additionally, Smith posted three double-doubles on the year to receive unanimous selection to the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team along with garnering All-Met Second Team honors.