Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - Lake Superior State University Athletic Director Dr. David Paitson has announced the hiring of Kelsey Smith as Athletic Communications Director.

"We are excited to have someone the quality of Kelsey join our athletics staff," said Dr. David Paitson, Director of Athletics. "She brings extensive hockey experience as well as a well-rounded sports background to the position."

Smith, who was hired in August 2019, will serve as the primary communications contact for all 12 varsity sports at Lake Superior State University.

Prior to Lake Superior State, Smith was a member of the Communications department for the National Hockey League's New York Islanders from 2015-19. Her responsibilities included assisting in all game day media relations needs, credentialing all media and creating line charts. During that time, Smith also worked as a Cause Marketing Intern for the National Hockey League at the League's main offices in New York City. 

"I am very excited to step into this new role and have the experience to work with Laker athletics," Smith said. "I would like to thank Dr. David Paitson for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to getting the chance to work with the faculty, coaches, and student-athletes here at LSSU."

Smith graduated in 2015 from Providence College in Providence, R.I., where she completed a Bachelor's Degree in American Studies as well as a Writing minor and a Business Studies certificate. 

At Providence, Smith worked for four years as a Sports Information student worker for the Men's and Women's Hockey teams. Smith contributed game recaps, managed in-game social media, and tracked live statistics.  She served as a member of Providence's media relations team for the 2015 National Championship team.

A native of Islip, N.Y., Smith currently resides in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.