Andy Smith Retires After 29 Years of Service to Canisius Athletics

After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Andy Smith, Canisius’ Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, has announced his retirement.

A 1989 graduate of the university, Smith returned to Canisius in 1996 following six years at West Point, and since then, has become a cornerstone of Golden Griffin athletics and a trusted mentor to countless student-athletes and future Athletic Trainers.

“Andy has dedicated 29 years to our athletic program, and he has treated our student-athletes and staff as if they were his family,” said Bill Maher, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “We have been beyond fortunate to have him as a member of our University community. Andy Smith has left a lasting legacy here at Canisius.”

Throughout his career, Smith provided oversight for all 20 athletic teams, directly working with men’s basketball, golf, and club sports. He managed athletic insurance programs, drug testing protocols, and helped lead Canisius through the complexities of return-to-play procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A leader at both the state and national levels, Smith served in multiple roles within the New York State Athletic Trainers Association (NYSATA), including President, and was inducted into the NYSATA Hall of Fame in 2014. Nationally, he contributed to key NCAA committees and helped shape Sudden Cardiac Arrest protocols that have been widely adopted in collegiate sports.

Smith also supported U.S. athletes at the Olympic Training Center and served as an athletic trainer at international competitions like the 1999 Summer World University Games. Additionally, he works as an AT spotter for the NFL.

As Smith steps away from Canisius, his impact on sports medicine and the student-athletes he’s served will continue to resonate for years to come. Learn more here!