The Weber State University Athletics Department announced on Tuesday that longtime WSU women’s golf head coach Jeff Smith had died earlier in the day at the age of 61.
“(Smith) was so beloved by everyone who knew him,” said Weber State Director of Athletics Jerry Bovee in the release. “He will greatly be missed by our Weber State family as well as the entire community of Ogden. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
On Facebook, the Big Sky Conference posted its condolences.
“All of us at the Big Sky Conference are very sad to hear about the passing of Weber State Director of Golf Jeff Smith,” the post read. “‘Smitty’ was a dear friend to many in-and-around the league, and will be remembered for his kind heart, friendly smile and dedication to student athletes. Our hearts go out to Jeff’s family, as well as the entire Weber State community.”
Former Weber State basketball star Damian Lillard also posted on Facebook about Smith’s passing, saying that Smith had a big impact on him during his time at Weber State.
“R.I.P. ‘Smitty’ … When I talk about those people I crossed paths with at Weber State that impacted my life it’s people like this guy that I’m talking about. Great person and a great golf coach … You will be missed my friend … #ThankYouForTheSupport #WeAreWeber #WeberFamily #BleedPurple,” Lillard wrote on his public Facebook page.
Smith served as the head coach of the women’s golf team for 24 years, where he helped lead the Wildcats to five consecutive second-place finishes in the Big Sky Conference from 1995 to 2000 before leading the team to its first ever conference championship in 2001.
Before coming to Weber State, Smith served as the head PGA Pro at Golf City—a popular South Ogden golfing and recreation center that closed in 2005—and was also a professional at El Monte Golf Course.
Smith was an Ogden native, graduating from Ogden High School before earning his degree in business administration/finance from Weber State in 1980.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending.
