Gannon University Athletics

Larissa (Smith) Anderson was one of the pioneers of what has become a top regional softball program. The native of Lake George, N.Y. began her career in the infield as a shortstop and third baseman for head coach Mike Corbett before emerging as a standout while patrolling center field.

Despite a diminutive stature she was a five-tool player who could hit for average while combining power and speed. (Smith) Anderson played for the Golden Knights from 1994-97, leading Gannon to 128 victories during that period. She helped Gannon reach the GLIAC Playoffs as a junior and senior after making the ECAC Tournament her first two years.

(Smith) Anderson hit .300-or-better all four years with a high of .374 as a freshman. She had five doubles, six triples and four home runs while stealing 11 bases. The Golden Knights would go on to finish at 30-15 and win the ECAC Championship. 

The following year she ranked among the Division II leaders in triples with eight while hitting .317 with 23 RBIs. As a junior (Smith) Anderson was an honorable mention All-GLIAC selection while finishing third in the conference in home runs (5) and fifth in stolen bases (12). She hit .316 while helping Gannon to a then school-record 35 wins.

(Smith) Anderson moved up to the All-GLIAC second team as a senior while hitting .333 and leading the Golden Knights in stolen bases (15) along with ranking second in home runs (6) and RBIs (34). She was also named to the NCAA Division II Great Lakes All-Region Team in 1997.

She concluded her career with school-records for runs (155), home runs (18) and triples (25), while ranking second in RBIs (97), hits (183), and stolen bases (46). Though she no longer holds those records she still remains among the career leaders in numerous categories.

Corbett welcomed (Smith) Anderson as an assistant coach and it has led to a highly successful career in coaching. She currently serves as the head coach at the University of Missouri where in six seasons as head coach she has led the Tigers to five NCAA Regional appearances and a pair of Super Regionals. All told she owns 350 career wins as a head coach.

(Smith) Anderson received her bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Gannon in 1997. She is married to Patrick Anderson, who is a manager in the St. Louis Cardinals organization.