Former Northeastern University Assistant Coach and player development professional brings decades of experience in girls’ and women’s basketball

STOW, Mass. — July 21, 2026 — Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced the hiring of Sean Smith as Head Coach of Girls’ Basketball, bringing decades of basketball coaching and player development experience with him.

Smith joins MAI after spending the previous two academic years as Assistant Coach for the Northeastern University Women’s Basketball program. Prior to his time at Northeastern, Smith served as CEO & Lead Skills Trainer for Sticks Skills Training for four years, where he set student athletes up for success with a focus on learning proper fundamentals, mechanics, and footwork while teaching life lessons through the sport.

Smith has also served as Assistant Coach at St. Francis College from 2018-19 and Rider University from 2015-18, and was an integral part of three Rider players garnering All-MAAC conference recognition during the 2017-18 campaign after helping Robin Perkins earn the university’s first-ever conference Player of the Year honor in the 2016-17 season.

He spent two seasons as Assistant Coach at the University of Maine from 2013-15, with the Black Bears advancing to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament after reaching the America East semifinals during his final season with the program.

In addition to his time leading Stick Skills Training, Smith has served as the head coach for Southeast Allstars from 2022-24. During his time with the program, Smith coached over 25 Division 1 prospects, including Chloe Kitts and Kate Harpring.

“I’m excited to be a part of the building process at the ground level here at Masters.” said Sean Smith, Head Coach of Girls’ Basketball at Masters Academy International. “My plan is to work hard, foster a great environment for the kids, and leave an indelible mark on the institution.”

Smith earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University in 2005 and a Master’s degree in Athletic Leadership from Rider University in 2018. His wife, Chenel Harris-Smith, currently serves as the head coach for women’s basketball at Colby College. They have twin boys, Emmanual and Elijah, age seven.

Smith’s hiring continues MAI’s investment in assembling one of the nation’s premier coaching staffs and commitment to developing elite student-athletes across the nine sports it will offer. To learn more about Masters Academy International’s lacrosse program, visit https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/sports/basketball/.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train, and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Joe Zarbano, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, jzarbano@regancomm.com.