Yale

Paul Smith rejoined Yale Athletics in June 2025 as its Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health & Performance.

In his role, Smith provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for Yale’s athletic medicine and sports performance departments, supporting the health, safety, and optimal performance of student-athletes across all 35 varsity programs. He also serves as a key liaison to Yale Mental Health & Counseling, coordinating efforts with the department’s embedded athletics mental health counselor. In addition, he supports the men's and women's squash programs, as well as the heavyweight and lightweight crew teams. 
 
Smith returned to Yale after nearly four years at the University of Arizona, where he served as Associate Director for Medical Services and Head Football Athletic Trainer. From 2017 to 2020, he previously held positions at Yale as Associate Head Athletic Trainer and Head Football Athletic Trainer.
 
Before his time at Arizona, Smith was Director of Athletic Training for Football at Boise State University. In 2017, he received the Northwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (NWATA) New Horizon Award, recognizing emerging professionals for outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to the field of athletic training.
 
Smith earned his undergraduate degree in athletic training from Boston University in 2012 and a master’s degree in kinesiology with a biophysical emphasis from Boise State University in 2014. He is certified by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Board of Certification and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).