Braselton, GA - The best moments in Roseanna Smith’s life have all been unplanned. What began as a graduate student’s interest in sports administration led to a 15-year career with the American Junior Golf Association and an unexpected transition to college football coaching at Oberlin College.
Smith’s first experience with golf came by chance. While completing her master’s degree at the University of Iowa, she attended the AJGA’s Intern Recruiting Weekend in 2006. Though new to golf, she was immediately drawn to the passion and energy of the AJGA community.
AJGA Board Member Gayle Champagne and Chief Operating Officer Mark Oskarson helped her see a future in golf and that weekend became the launching point for her career.
She began a six-month communications in-house internship after which she was hired full-time and traveled to her first event, the inaugural PING Invitational. Over the years, she served in several roles for the AJGA, from intern all the way to vice president of communications, learning from mentors and developing leadership skills that she would carry throughout her career.
"Football and golf have prepared me to do what seems impossible. Most things in life are possible with time, effort, and energy.”
During her time with the AJGA, she embraced Executive Director Stephen Hamblin’s focus on professional development and used every opportunity to learn, grow and mentor others. Her time working with the communications and sponsorship team expanded her expertise in partnerships, negotiation and brand storytelling. Working alongside major golf supporters such as TaylorMade, Rolex and adidas, Smith honed her creativity and leadership, all while forming lifelong friendships and connections.
"As someone who benefited from working in golf with no previous experience, I wanted to ensure others with diverse skills and perspectives had the same opportunity. I'm proud of everyone who is living their dreams because of the AJGA Internship."
Outside the office, Smith’s lifelong love of football remained strong. One of the few girls to play high school football, she later joined a women’s tackle football team, competing for two national championships and earning a spot on the first U.S. Women’s National Tackle Football Team. Her coaching journey began unexpectedly when a local high school coach invited her to assist after she donated leftover AJGA sunscreen to his team. That opportunity sparked a 10-year commitment to coaching high school football in Georgia before transitioning to the college level.
After 15 years with the AJGA, in 2021, Smith joined Oberlin College as an assistant football coach, where she now works under Head Coach John Pont.
“Coaching college football wasn’t something I could’ve imagined but it’s an incredible privilege to work with such smart, dedicated players.”
Her strength and resilience was tested again in 2025 when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer shortly after helping her father through his own health battle. Supported by her AJGA family and Oberlin colleagues, Smith underwent months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. She credits that same community along with the mindset she learned through sports for helping her persevere.
“I’ve truly never been alone, which is incredibly humbling,” she said.
Today, Smith continues to channel her experiences into purpose. At Oberlin, she and her players have embraced the mantra “Use your platform to do good.” Since 2021, the team has raised nearly $30,000 for pediatric cancer research through Go 4 The Goal, and this season, they’ll host a “Nobody Fights Alone” game to benefit the Cleveland Clinic’s Cancer Patient and Family Support Services Fund.
“I’m so grateful I had an incredible team fighting with me. Now, I want to help others who are fighting their own battles know that they’re not alone.”
From her time with the AJGA to her work on the football field, Roseanna Smith’s journey reflects the true spirit of a Trailblazer. Someone who has grown, persevered and continues to achieve throughout life’s complexities.
