Caryl Smith-Gilbert

Caryl Smith Gilbert (born April 19, 1969) is an American track and field coach and former athlete. She is the director of men's and women's track and field at the University of Georgia. She was hired in 2021. She coaches both the women's and men's Georgia track teams and is the first female head coach of a Georgia men's team.

Early life As a 12-year old, Smith Gilbert ran the 100 meter dash in 11.78 seconds. She was a silver medalist in the 100 meter dash at the World Junior Championships in 1986.

During her high school career, Smith Gilbert set indoor national records in the 55- and 60-meter dashes and was a two-time Colorado state champion in both the 200-meter dash and the long jump as well as a three-time 100-meter dash state champion. She also set the Colorado state high school records in all three of those events.

Coaching career Smith Gilbert coached the USC Women's Track & Field team to two NCAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championship titles in 2018 and 2021 and the UGA Women's Track & Field team to two NCAA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championship titles in 2025 and 2026.

Athletes coached by Smith Gilbert include Anglerne Annelus, Matthew Boling, Afia Charles, Sole Frederick, Sanaa Frederick, as well as Olympic Gold Medalists Rai Benjamin, Aaliyah Butler, Andre De Grasse, Michael Norman, Twanisha Terry, and DeeDee Trotter.

Smith Gilbert was named the SEC Women’s Coach of the Year in 2025 and became the first coach to win the women’s NCAA outdoor title at two different schools with the 2025 UGA championship.

Smith Gilbert was the president of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) board of directors with a term that ended on December 20th, 2025. She also was honored by the USTFCCCA as the 2026 National Women's Coach of the Year.

Personal life Smith Gilbert is married to Greg Gilbert, a retired NFL linebacker, and the couple has three sons.