Baylor Women’s Basketball Announces Addition of General Manager

[Pirtle, Colin]

BAYLOR ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS – Sept. 10, 2025

Baylor Women’s Basketball Announces Addition of General Manager
Smith named Women’s Basketball GM
For more information contact: Colin Pirtle; 940-564-0351, colin_pirtle1 at baylor.edu<mailto:colin_pirtle1 at baylor.edu>



WACO, Texas – Baylor head women’s basketball coach Nicki Collen announced Wednesday that Juliana Smith has joined the program’s staff in a full-time capacity as women’s basketball general manager.



Smith joined Baylor Athletics in July 2023, initially serving as executive senior associate AD for mission impact and enrichment and sport program administrator for women’s basketball before later adding, in a limited capacity, the responsibilities of women’s basketball general manager to her role.



As part of the women’s basketball staff, Smith will collaborate with athletics general manager David Kaye and the athletics front office to oversee roster construction and management, player acquisition and retention and budget and cap management, including rules compliance. She will also serve as the program’s external NIL liaison.



“As we have done in football and men’s basketball, elevating this position to full-time reflects the evolving landscape of college athletics and the need to continue to professionalize our operations in support of our student-athletes and staff,” said Athletic Director Mack Rhoades. “It also positions Coach Collen and her program for long-term success, with the structures in place to sustain excellence.”



Her appointment marks the first time Baylor women’s basketball has established the general manager role in a full-time capacity.



“Juliana has been a trusted and invaluable member of our team over the past year, with an exceptional understanding of my student-athletes and staff, Baylor’s mission and our program,” Collen said. “Her attention to detail, thoughtful approach and steadfast commitment to our success make her the perfect fit for this role. I’m beyond excited to now have her contributing full-time in this capacity.”



“Serving previously as sport program administrator for women’s basketball gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the many elements involved in recruiting talented, mission-fit student-athletes,” Smith said. “I’m honored that Coach Nicki has entrusted me to lead the program’s name, image and likeness and revenue-share strategy, ensuring our student-athletes can maximize both their platform and earning potential while competing for Baylor women’s basketball. I’m deeply grateful to Mack Rhoades for his vision for the future of Baylor Athletics and this program.”



Before joining Baylor, Smith held senior leadership roles at Colgate University, including deputy athletics director/senior woman administrator overseeing staffing and multiple sports programs. She previously served at the University of Oklahoma managing athletics HR and diversity efforts for more than 800 staff and at Texas Tech as director of operations for multiple sports.



Baylor women's basketball is presented by Central National Bank, a family-owned, independent bank headquartered in Waco, Texas, that provides uniquely personal service while simultaneously embracing the latest developments in banking technology.



To stay up to date, follow the team on its official Facebook, X and Instagram accounts: @BaylorWBB.



- BaylorBears.com -

_________________________________________
Colin Pirtle | Associate Director of Athletics Communications (WBB, Soccer, W. Tennis)
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 940-564-0351

[signature_2230589939]<http://baylorbears.com/>

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