New Jersey Coach Janet Smith Dies at 59, Bringing Grief to the Women’s Running Community!

She was a legendary runner!

October 15, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 15, 2026

Cross-country runner from New Jersey and women’s athletics coach Janet Smith-Leet has died at the age of 59, battling cancer.

Her death has brought grief to the women’s athletic community and her family members.

Janet was a celebrated U.S. long-distance runner, especially known for her outstanding high school and collegiate cross-country and track career.

She attended Lutheran High School in Mount Prospect, where she became a dominant force in both cross country and track.

After high school, Janet attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she continued her running career as a member of the LSU Tigers’ cross country and track & field teams.

Following her college career, she earned All-American honors at the NCAA level and became one of LSU’s standout female distance runners of her generation.

After retiring from high-level competition, she dedicated part of her time to coaching young athletes in cross country and track.

American Former Long-Distance Runner Janet Smith Passes Away at 59, Leaving a Lasting Impact on the Women’s Athletic Community

Janet Smith-Leet was born on December 11, 1965, in Illinois, United States.

She grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois, where she began showing athletic talent at a young age.

Having an impactful career spanning nearly six decades, Janet passed away on October 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.

While alive, she coached and mentored many young women, who are now grateful for the time they spent with Janet during their training and development.

Following her passing at 59, many have expressed their grief in posts and comments, with one person saying:

Such sad news! Janet changed my life in so many positive ways – I attended her Sub 5 running camp and truly became a different athlete and person from that experience. She empowered me more than any coach had before in that point in my life, helping me live my dreams on the track. Even after she was there to hug me and cheer me on during and after big races in HS and college. Rest in peace Janet – you will be so missed

While her admirers will miss her, Janet is survived by her husband, Brad Leet, who also attended the University of Wisconsin.

Janet also had one daughter and one son. Her son, Michael Leet, lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois, while details about her daughter, Jenny, have not yet been disclosed.

Not just an athlete, Janet was also a nature admirer. Her Facebook posts revealed that she often hiked and went on nature outings with her family.

According to Janet’s Facebook post, her wake will be held on Friday, October 17th, at Friedrichs Funeral Home in Mount Prospect from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the funeral to follow on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Rest in Peace, Coach!

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Nishan Dahal writes sports with a human touch, covering breaking news, athlete lives, and the stories that stats can't tell. Nishan believes every athlete has a story worth telling. With the goal of bringing those stories to life with honesty, heart, and a touch of curiosity, he shares his insights through PlayerBio.

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