Shawn Smith is the Head Coach of the University of Denver Hilltoppers (TOPS), a nationally recognized, year-round swim team. He has been coaching at DU since 1994 and has been the Head Coach since 2001. Under his leadership, the Hilltoppers have consistently excelled, earning the prestigious Gold Medal status in the USA Swimming Club Excellence Program for 2022, a testament to their high level of performance and development of swimmers aged 18 and younger.

Shawn has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence within the team, which has been recognized in various national rankings over the years. His coaching philosophy emphasizes creating an environment that nurtures both the athletic and personal growth of his swimmers. Notably, Shawn coached Emma Webber, a member of the 2024 U.S. Olympic team​