NEW LONDON, Conn. - Jackie Smith has announced that she is leaving Connecticut College following six seasons as head women's basketball coach. 

Smith, a graduate of the University of Hartford, is returning to her alma mater to take over as head women's basketball coach. She played for the Hawks from 2007-11 and later spent three seasons (2013-16) in West Hartford as an assistant coach under Jennifer Rizzotti. Smith will be the 12th head coach in program history.

During her tenure in New London, Smith led the Camels to two NESCAC Championship berths and placed 30 student-athletes on NESCAC All-Academic Teams. In addition to her head coaching duties, she also served as the department's NCAA Representative for Diversity and Inclusion.

The Camels, who finished 10-14 overall last season, are slated to return all but one letter winner next season. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.