Q&A: Alex Smolka
Alex Smolka has coached Florida Atlantic's women's track and field team since 2005-06 as well as the men's and women's cross country teams since 2001. Smolka will coach the U.S. women's track and field team in the 18th Maccabiah Games, taking place in Israel begining Monday.
Originally published on
7/9/2009
by
FAUOwlAccess Staff Report
FAUOwlAccess.com: We understand you will be coaching in the upcoming Maccabiah Games. How did this come about?
Alex Smolka: I was approached by the National Office. I had tried out for the triathlon team several years ago. I made the team as an alternate. My next try I made the team, but the games were not held because of the political environment at the time. So I had a preexisting relationship with the governing body. They called this year and extended the invitation to coach.
FAUOwlAccess.com: What is the most interesting thing in your office?
Smolka: I have several medals from current and former athletes who left them with me as a thank you and as a reminder that they ran for the team and the school rather than the hardware.
FAUOwlAccess.com: How did you get started in coaching?
Smolka: As a graduate assistant at Northeastern to pay for graduate school and enjoying sports. I was a GA for track, cross country and compliance. I also coached high school soccer after my senior year of college.
FAUOwlAccess.com: What is your favorite part about coaching at Florida Atlantic?
Smolka: Interacting with student-athletes.
FAUOwlAccess.com: What has been the best moment at FAU?
Smolka: It was when volleyball won the conference championship on our home court. I was working in academics at the time and had worked with many of the girls.