UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences to welcome NBA sports medicine executive Casey R. Smith for its Signature Speaker Series

Casey R. Smith, Vice President of Sports Medicine for the New York Knicks, will serve as the featured guest for the UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences Signature Speaker Series.

Michael Mercier | UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences will welcome Casey R. Smith, Vice President of Sports Medicine for the New York Knicks, as the featured guest for its Signature Speaker Series on Thursday, September 17, 2026. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.

Smith will present "The Ecosystem of Excellence: Collaborative Frameworks in Athlete Development," exploring the role collaboration plays in developing and supporting high-performance athletes. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in professional and international sports, Smith will discuss how professionals across sports medicine, coaching, performance, education, and other disciplines work together to create environments where athletes can succeed.

Smith brings an extensive career in sports medicine and athlete performance to UAH. In addition to his current role with the 2026 NBA Champions, the New York Knicks, he has served as an athletic trainer for USA Basketball and was part of the medical staff supporting gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic teams in 2008 and 2012. His career also includes service on the U.S. Olympic Medical Staff for boxing at the 2004 Olympic Games and with the 2010 FIBA Men's Basketball World Championship team. He has also been recognized three times as part of the NBA Athletic Training Staff of the Year.

The Signature Speaker Series provides opportunities for UAH students, faculty, staff, and members of the greater Huntsville community to hear from accomplished professionals whose work connects education, sport, and the human sciences with real-world practice and innovation.

“Bringing a leader of Casey Smith’s caliber to our campus is a tremendous opportunity for the entire UAH and Huntsville community,” said Dr. Amanda Aguilar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. “Attendees will gain a firsthand look at what happens behind the scenes to build successful organizations, including the multidisciplinary approach to developing people, teams, and leaders. It’s a unique opportunity to learn how professionals across different areas come together to create success at the highest levels.”

Smith's presentation will offer students and professionals an inside look at the interdisciplinary approach required to support athletes at the highest levels of competition while highlighting concepts that extend beyond professional sports, including teamwork, communication, leadership, and collaboration across areas of expertise.

The event will take place Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Room 112 of the UAH Student Services Building. The evening will begin with networking hours at 4:30 p.m., where attendees will have an opportunity to connect with fellow guests and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Smith's presentation will follow at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to UAH students, faculty, staff, and members of the greater Huntsville community.

About the UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences

The UAH College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences prepares students for careers dedicated to improving lives through education, movement, health, and human performance. Through academic programs, research, community engagement, and professional experiences, the College equips graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.