Columbia Taps Smith as New Head Men's Soccer Coach

(Story provided by Columbia Sports Communications)

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Director of Athletics Glen M. Crawford announced the hiring of Jack Smith as the second Men's Soccer Coach in program history.

Smith, who hails from Portadown, Northern Ireland, spent the past four years as an assistant coach at his alma mater and fellow Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) member, Union College.

Union earned a second-place finish in the AAC during the 2023 season (behind Milligan, who went on to play in the NAIA National Championship game) with a 10-1-2 record; they collected a 15-3-2 overall record. The Bulldogs went an impressive 35-14-9 during his tenure, with a trip to the NAIA National Tournament this past season. The Bulldogs were ranked as high as No. 13 nationally during the past season.

While on the Union staff, Smith coached an Offensive Player of the Year, a Freshman of the Year, and a Golden Boot winner. Six players were named All-Conference, four were named second team, and 28 have earned All-Academic Team since 2022 during his tenure.

Smith graduated from Union in 2020, earning his BS in Exercise Science; he then earned his MA in Teacher Leadership in 2022; he will graduate with an MS in Athletic Administration in 2024.

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Glen Crawford, President John Dozier, and the search committee for allowing me to be the next Head Men's Soccer Coach at Columbia College. I am beyond excited to join the institution and its growing athletic department that is continuing to invest in its student-athletes. An excellent soccer community surrounds Columbia College, and I am thrilled to be the one to drive the program to its highest potential. I am proud to join the Koala Nation and look forward to helping our student-athletes succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in the community." - Coach Smith.

Jack enjoys cheering on Manchester United in his free time; he is expecting his first child in April with his partner Ashley Witt.