Kate Smullen
Kate Smullen

Bio

 Kate Smullen (formally Backman), who served as the University of Bridgeport's head women's lacrosse coach from the 2010 through 2015 seasons and as UB's Associate AD and Senior Women's Adminstrator plus also returned to the sidelines for the 2017 season as the Purple Knights' interim head coach, has been named Bridgeport's Interim Athletic Director effective on January 14, 2020.

Backman came to UB from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut where she has served as assistant women’s lacrosse coach since August of 2008. In 2009, the QU women’s lacrosse team won the Northeast Conference regular season title and had the most successful season in school history with an .812 winning percentage.

A native of West Haven, Connecticut and a graduate of West Haven High School where she was a four-member of the WHHS soccer and lacrosse teams plus a team captain, Kate earned her Bachelor’s Degree in History from Central Connecticut State University in 2006.  During her time in CCSU, she was a four-year standout for the Blue Devils’ lacrosse team and also served as a team captain.  In 2008, coach Backman received her Masters of Education from the University of New Haven.

Along with her coaching experience at Quinnipiac, Kate has served as an assistant coach at Central Connecticut State, the University of New Haven and West Haven High School.  She is also the Founder and Co-President of the West Haven Youth Lacrosse Association; a position she has held since December of 2008.