Gardner-Webb University Athletics

A former standout player for the Runnin' Bulldogs, Alaisa Smith returns to Gardner-Webb for the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach and the program's director of basketball operations.

Smith played collegiate basketball for Gardner-Webb from 2020-2023, winning Big South Freshman of The Year in 2020-21, and First Team All-Big South honors as a sophomore in 2021-22, where she scored more than 14.5 points per game for the Runnin' Bulldogs. 

Smith helped lead GWU on a memorable run to the NCAA Tournament in 2022-23, scoring over 13.5 points per game and playing over 30 minutes per game on a Gardner-Webb team that became the first in Big South history, men's or women's to complete a 21-0 conference record. Smith took home Big South Conference Defensive Player of The Year and First Team All-Conference honors as the Runnin' Bulldogs finished 29-5 overall.

Following her junior campaign, Smith then transferred to the University of Memphis under former Gardner-Webb head coach, Alex Simmons. In two seasons at Memphis, Smith broke several school records, including the mark for career rebounds with 553.

Originally from Johnson City, Tenn., Smith and earned her B.S. in Education and Sports Coaching from Memphis in December of 2024.

I can honestly say, I am not the only one so happy to have Alasia back at Gardner-Webb" said Coach Williams. "She brings winning tradition and success to the GWU basketball program and knows what it looks like and what it takes to compete in the Big South Conference. I am very grateful to have Alasia come with the Runnin’ Bulldogs"