UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND: Smith was promoted to associate director of soccer in the fall of 2003, responsible for handling the daily operations of the women’s soccer team, after serving 11 years as an assistant to coach Clive Charles. Smith was hired as an assistant coach prior to the 1992 season and has been instrumental in leading the Pilot women to 12 NCAA Playoff berths, seven Final Four appearances and the school’s first-ever NCAA Championship in 2002. He has also helped the Pilot men to eight NCAA Playoff appearances. Smith has been credited with bringing in some of the nation’s most talented high school recruits over the years, and continues that trend as the 2004 women’s class was ranked in the top 10 by both Soccer America and Soccer Buzz. In 2003, Smith led the Pilot women to the third round of the NCAA Playoffs, finishing with an 18-3-2 overall record. Last year, with three of the team’s top players redshirting due to national team commitments, Smith guided Portland to its fourth 20-win season in history before falling to eventual national champion Notre Dame in the NCAA quarterfinals.
CLUB COACHING EXPERIENCE: Smith has been involved with F.C. Portland for the past 13 years, most recently coaching the U-15 girl’s team which advanced to the quarterfinals of the Region IV Tournament in 2005.
PROFESSIONAL PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Began professional career with the Portland Timbers of the Western Soccer League in 1989. Played one season for the Seattle Storm of the APSL in 1990, before joining the San Diego Soccers of the Major Indoor Soccer League for the 1991 season. Finished his professional career playing for the Portland Pride of the CISL from 1993-95.
COLLEGE PLAYING EXPERIENCE: One of the highest-scoring defenders in University of Portland soccer history with 25 points (7G/ 11A). Smith’s collegiate soccer career, 1986-89, was highlighted by the 1988 team’s fabulous run to the NCAA Final Four and within one game of the national championship match. The Pilots won their first 21 games of the season before losing 1-0 to eventual champion Indiana in the semifinals. The squad was rated as high as second nationally and lives as one of the greatest teams, in any sport, in school history. In 1989, Smith’s senior season, Portland compiled an 18-2-4 mark and again struck it rich with a second consecutive postseason berth. Smith was named all-West Coast Conference first team pick. Smith was MVP of the 1986 team and was a three-time all-Northwest Collegiate Soccer Conference selection.
PERSONAL: Born December 14, 1967, Smith attended Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Wash. He competed with the Washington U-19 State Team. Smith and his wife, Christina, have three daughters: Hannah, Nicole and Sydney.