Bianca Smith has been appointed as the new assistant coach for the Michigan State Spartans women’s basketball team, marking a significant addition to the Big Ten Conference’s coaching landscape. Her hiring was officially announced on April 24, 2025, by head coach Robyn Fralick, who expressed enthusiasm about Smith’s energy, work ethic, and dedication to player development. Smith’s extensive coaching experience and her background as a former standout player at the University of Colorado position her to make a substantial impact on the Spartans’ program. ([2023–24 Michigan State Spartans women’s basketball
### Coaching Career Overview
Before joining Michigan State, Smith served as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado during the 2024–25 season, focusing on perimeter player development. Prior to that, she spent four seasons at Lamar University, where she played a pivotal role in leading the Lady Cardinals to back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2022–23 and 2023–24. During her tenure, Lamar reached the Southland Conference Tournament championship game in 2023, and Smith was promoted to associate head coach after the 2022–23 season. Her coaching journey also includes stints at Loyola University Chicago, the University of Pittsburgh, Rice University, and Texas Southern University, where she held various positions ranging from video coordinator to assistant coach .
### Playing Career and Achievements
Smith’s basketball journey began at the University of Colorado, where she played from 2006 to 2010. As a guard, she became the program’s all-time leader in both single-season and career three-pointers made, records that stood until 2024. She also tied the single-game record with seven three-pointers on three occasions. In recognition of her contributions, Smith was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year in 2010. Her collegiate success was complemented by a professional stint in the Lithuanian Women’s Basketball League in 2012 . ([Bianca Smith – Women’s Basketball Coach – Loyola University Chicago
### Contract Details and Compensation
While specific details of Smith’s contract with Michigan State have not been publicly disclosed, assistant coaching salaries in the Big Ten Conference vary. For instance, Illinois women’s basketball coach Shauna Green’s contract includes performance-based bonuses, such as $10,000 for a bye or double bye in the Big Ten tournament and $40,000 for an NCAA tournament appearance . Given Smith’s extensive experience and the competitive nature of the Big Ten, it is anticipated that her compensation package reflects her qualifications and the expectations for her role within the Spartans’ program. ([Open-records report | 20 things to know about Big Ten women’s basketball coaching contracts | Business
### Outlook for Michigan State Women’s Basketball
The addition of Bianca Smith to the coaching staff is expected to bolster Michigan State’s women’s basketball program, which concluded the 2023–24 season with a 22–9 overall record and a 12–6 mark in Big Ten play. Under the leadership of head coach Robyn Fralick, the Spartans are poised to continue their upward trajectory in the conference. Smith’s expertise, particularly in developing perimeter players, aligns with the team’s strategic objectives, and her appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the program’s competitiveness in the Big Ten and nationally. ([2023–24 Michigan State Spartans women’s basketball team]
In summary, Bianca Smith’s hiring as assistant coach for the Michigan State Spartans women’s basketball team represents a significant development in the Big Ten Conference. Her extensive coaching experience, coupled with her distinguished playing career, positions her to make a meaningful impact on the program’s success in the coming seasons.
