Lindsey Connolly has served as an assistant coach for the Warrior cross country and track & field teams since 2008, the year she graduated from Westmont. Connolly, a 2007 NAIA All-American in the 3,000 meter race walk, seeks to help each student-athlete reach their potential.
In 2023, Westmont's Track and Field and Cross Country teams combined to earn 16 NAIA All-American honors, and two individual National Championships.
In 2022, Westmont Men's and Women's Track and Field earned 18 All-American honors, while Men's and Women's Cross Country added in two more.
In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Connolly aided Russell Smelley in leading the Men's Track & Field team to their highest finish in program history (4th) at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships.
"I want each individual to have personal success in their running," said Connolly. "Each race is a chance for the athletes to challenge themselves and improve. All team members have the opportunity for personal growth while working towards a common team goal. It is my desire to work with individual athletes to accomplish their goals and discover how they can impact the Westmont cross country and track & field teams."
As a graduate of Westmont, Connolly believes she brings an important perspective to the coaching staff.
"I think that I have a unique position on the coaching staff because I was also on the team not too long ago," noted Connolly. "I can bridge the gap between athlete and coach because I understand where both sides are coming from. I hope I can use what I learned while on the team to help the current athletes accomplish their goals and reach their potential."
In 2016, Connolly earned her Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletics Administration from Concordia University Irvine.
"Lindsey Connolly has proven herself to be an able assistant coach by patiently and dutifully taking care of the myriad of details necessary for a team’s success," said Smelley. "She is knowledgeable about the distance training program and she quietly observes the traits of individual athletes in order to best encourage and coach them. She is a good advisor on training, travel arrangements, athlete’s needs and anticipating problems."
"I really enjoyed my time on the cross country and track teams while at Westmont and want to continue to be a part of the future of Westmont cross country and track & field," said Connolly. "The coaching staff and athletes are quality people that I enjoy working and being with. I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience the coaching side of running and to learn more about running tactics and planning workouts."
A native of Santa Barbara County, Connolly grew up in Carpinteria and competed for Carpinteria High School.
In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Connolly has teamed up with Rebecca Smith to open an elementary school (K-6) in Mirebalais, Haiti. Their non-profit organization, Destined for Grace, is funded through a thrift store operating in Goleta.
"Our mission is to raise the Haitian children above the pain and suffering that their country endures and provide for them a future of love, hope and faith," said Connolly.
