Drew University in Madison named Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft as its new Director of Athletics on Monday, Aug. 17, bringing a 14-year track record of coaching and administrative success at Shenandoah University to the Rangers' 25 Division III programs.

Smeltzer-Kraft arrives from Winchester, Virginia, where she served as associate athletics director and head field hockey coach at Shenandoah. She compiled a 176-71 overall record and went 81-23 in conference play, including an Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship in 2016. She became the program's third head coach when she was introduced in February 2013.

Shenandoah Athletics confirmed the move on Instagram, noting that 2026 will be Smeltzer-Kraft's final season coaching field hockey for the Hornets before she transitions fully to her new role at Drew.

Her administrative rise at Shenandoah was steady. She was promoted to assistant athletic director in July 2022 while continuing to coach, and later held the associate athletics director title. That dual portfolio of hands-on coaching and department-level oversight now transfers to a Landmark Conference program with about 2,300 students and 25 varsity teams.

Smeltzer-Kraft said in a statement that she was honored and grateful for the opportunity.

The record speaks for itself. In 14 seasons at Shenandoah, she won at a .713 clip overall and never posted a losing conference record on the way to that 2016 ODAC title.

The hire lands weeks before fall sports open for the Rangers, who compete in the Landmark Conference.