WALTHAM, Mass. – Brandeis University has named Emma Smallcomb as its first full-time assistant volleyball coach, head coach Alesia Bennett announced today.
"We are very lucky to have Emma join our staff," Bennett said. "She has a natural ability to deliver instruction on the court. Pair that with her playing experience and it creates such a solid foundation for her as a coach."
Smallcomb is a double graduate of Sacred Heart University, earning her B.S. in sports management in 2022 and her M.B.A. in 2023. She was a five-year starter at libero for the Pioneers, taking advantage of her extra year of eligibility afforded student-athletes affected by COVID-19. She was named a four-time team captain, helping SHU earn three North East Conference titles and two berths in the NCAA Division I Tournament. Smallcomb set school records with 544 digs in a season in 2022 and with 2075 digs in her career. She was named All-NEC three times in her career.
In addition to her time as a player, Smallcomb has served as a head coach at Nova Volleyball Club in Trumbull, Connecticut, working with their 14's, 15's and 16's, helping the 15's reach the AAU National Championship tournament in 2022. She also served as camp director for Boston Area Youth Volleyball in 2022 and as tournament director of New England AAU Volleyball from 2021 through 2023, helping run tournaments throughout the New England region. Since May 2023, she has served as the Beach Program Director at the Boston United Volleyball Club in Weston, Massachusetts.
A native of Westborough, Massachusetts, Smallcomb was the 2017-18 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year for volleyball.