DES MOINES, Iowa -  Kyle Smith has been hired as an assistant coach for the Drake University men's soccer team, head coach Gareth Smith announced on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
 
Smith was previously the head men's soccer coach at Cumberland University (NAIA) in Lebanon, Tenn., for three seasons. Prior to leading the Phoenix, he was an assistant coach for the Drake men's team for two seasons in 2011 and 2012.
 
"I'm thrilled to announce that Kyle has returned to our Bulldog family after a very successful spell with Cumberland where he turned the program around and led them to a conference championship," said Gareth Smith. "It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with someone who possesses such an exceptional work rate and deep passion for excellence. Kyle brings much to our program, in that he is an excellent coach, relentless recruiter and has strong leadership skills. Most importantly, he is a man of principle who lives the Bulldog Way. I'm excited to see the impact he is going to have on our student-athletes, program and within the athletics department."
 
Smith helped Cumberland improve its win total in each of his three seasons at the helm, capped by compiling an impressive 18-2-1 overall record and winning the 2015 Mid-South Conference Tournament. The Phoenix earned its first-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance and finished eighth in the final NAIA Men's Soccer Modified Rating Percentage Index (MRPI).
 
In his first stint with the Bulldogs, the team made back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference semifinal appearances. Smith has more than 10 seasons of experience as a head or assistant coach at the club, collegiate and high school levels. He served two-year stints as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Lambuth University and at Hastings College.
 
Smith's collegiate playing career began at the University of Charleston before he transferred to Lambuth for his final two seasons. He earned his bachelor's degree in health and human performance from Lambuth and a master's degree in teaching with an emphasis in exercise science from Hastings College.