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Smythe proud of coaching role at Morgan State
May 09, 2025
Some of the country's top high school athletes who earned track and field scholarships to United States (US) universities have since transitioned into coaching roles in the US. Among them is Janice Smythe, a former standout from St Elizabeth Technical High School.
Smythe, who specialised in the 400m hurdles in the late 1990s under the guidance of the late coach Eldemire Smith, is now the associate head, cross-country and track and field coach at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has coached for the past 18 years.
STAR Sports caught up with Smythe at last Saturday's PUMA East Coast International Showcase, where she shared her journey from St Elizabeth to her current role with the Bears, the university's nickname.
"In Jamaica, I went through the system from primary to high school, competing in track and field before earning a scholarship to Southern University of New Orleans," she said. "After my freshman year, I transferred to Morgan State University. That was the best decision I ever made -- I've been here ever since," added Smythe, who graduated in 2007.
"My job also includes being the director of operations -- handling all team travel, supervising the grant-in-aid budget, monitoring student athletes' academic progress, and assisting with the development of hurdlers, sprinters, jumpers, and relay teams," said Smythe, who prides herself on being a well-rounded coach capable of contributing in any area.
During her coaching tenure, one of the standout seasons came in 2013-14, when the team placed second at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Cross-Country Championships. In 2012-13, the Lady Bears qualified for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Outdoor Championships in the 4x100m relay. Several individuals have also advanced to regional and national championships at the Division I level.
For Smythe, hosting Jamaican high school athletes on the Morgan State University track during the PUMA East Coast International Showcase was a special moment.
"It brings me great joy to see these athletes come here to compete and gain new experiences. I was once in their shoes," she said with a smile.
