Alice Smoot has served as an assistant coach for the Valdosta State cross country program since 2015 while also working full-time at the Odum Library on the VSU campus. A Valdosta State graduate, she earned her degree in December 2019 and brings decades of competitive running experience to the Blazers. Smoot is a two-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, finishing 55th overall in 1988 and 33rd overall in 1992 with a marathon time of 2:44:31. During her competitive career, she recorded outstanding open division personal bests, including 4:34 in the 1,500 meters, 9:57 in the 3,000 meters, 16:45 in the 5K, 28:15 in the 8K, 34:46 in the 10K, 1:16:10 in the half marathon, and 2:44:15 in the marathon. Following 1997, Smoot continued to excel in masters competition, posting personal bests of 17:45 in the 5K, 38:42 in the 10K, 1:12:46 in the 15K, and 1:40:14 in the half marathon. Her extensive competitive résumé and years of coaching experience continue to make her a valuable mentor for Valdosta State's cross country student-athletes.
