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The UAB softball program has placed Taylor Smartt on administrative leave in the middle of the 2026 season. The Blazers will be without their head coach as they get set to enter the conference tournament.
There has been no explanation provided to this point. Speculation swirls, but the school refuses to comment.
That silence draws attention to the absence. What is the cause? Did Smartt do something wrong? Will she be able return?
At the time of this writing, none of those answers are clear.
Who is Taylor Smartt?
The coach is a former player at Troy where she started nearly 200 games. As a freshman, she was named NFCA All-Region after hitting .277 and scoring 23 runs.
She took to coaching soon after her playing career ended, landing a job on staff at her alma mater. Smartt spent eight seasons with the Trojans, seven of which came in a full-time assistant capacity.
She then moved onto Florida Atlantic before landing the UAB head coaching gig. She has completed just one full season with the Blazers.
In Year 1, the team went 24-31. Year 2 saw a dip with the program currently 20-30 heading into the final weekend of play. The American Conference Championship is set to follow.
Taylor Smartt may not be in the dugout. It was initially reported that she was “taking a step back” from the program.
Now, questions surround the departure.
UAB places softball coach on administrative leave.
Sources tell me that Taylor Smartt has actually been placed on administrative leave.
Administrators notified the softball team before Saturday’s game against USF. https://t.co/nTuLunIcLj
— Maren Angus-Coombs (@Maren_Angus) April 29, 2026
Maren Angus-Coombs of Sports Illustrated suggests the absence is not a personal choice. It was made by the school. The reason behind the decision is unknown.
No explanation has been given. UAB will not comment with the situation ongoing.
Assistant Anna Shelnutt has taken over in the interim. She has not been given the role permanently. That would lead one to believe either an investigation is underway or the program plans to target new leadership in the offseason.
At this point, there is no clarity. Details should emerge in the coming weeks.
UAB will face Florida Atlantic in the final series without Smartt on the bench.