Samantha Smith

Samantha Smith is best known for her legacy as a former professional tennis player. Samantha has claimed the title of British Ladies’ No. 1 from 1997 to 2000, etching her name amongst the greats in tennis. Since retiring from the sport, Samantha has built her career as a broadcaster, covering prestigious events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Australian Open. In 2019, Samantha was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. As a seasoned keynote speaker, Samantha speaks on her diagnosis of and experience with neurodivergence and her experiences as a broadcaster.

Playing professionally between 1992 and 2000, Samantha earned several accolades as a junior player as well. A multiple national junior champion, Samantha also performed brilliantly on an international scale. As a junior player, she won the Bronze medal at the European Championships. These were apt precursors to the wonders she would do as a senior player. Defeating the former champion Conchita Martinez, Samantha made her place in the last 16 at the 1998 Wimbledon Championships. British Number 1 for three consecutive years, Samantha ranked 55th in the world in 1999 – a personal best. She also represented Great Britain at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Samantha possesses a BA in History from the University of Exeter, which she obtained whilst on a hiatus from the WTA pro tour. Soon after she retired in 2001, Samantha embarked on a journey as a tennis commentator across radio and television for various networks. Working as a Lead Commentator for BBC, Samantha became the First Female Broadcaster to Lead the Wimbledon Ladies Single Final for BBC in 2019. Samantha has also been a Lead Broadcaster & On-Court Interviewer at the Australian Open for Nine Network and Lead Broadcaster for BBC at The Championships and the Olympic Games. Samantha is a Full Member of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and The International Club of Great Britain – both positions she has held for over two decades.

Diagnosed with a high-functioning version of Asperger’s later in her life, Samantha wants to raise awareness on the matter. As a keynote speaker, she touches upon the challenges she has faced as a broadcaster and how she overcame them, provides suggestions on how companies can help employees who fall on the autism spectrum succeed in the workplace and her own life experiences trying to navigate the world. Samantha Smith is an accomplished speaker to book for a variety of events related to high-performance, being a woman in sports and sports broadcasting, neurodiversity and overcoming adversity. Go ahead and hire Samantha Smith today!