What did you learn as a player at the University of Charleston and Lambuth University that you can apply as a coach?
Coach Smith: I had the pleasure of being coached by terrific leaders at both schools I played for, Marty Martinez and Paul Conway, respectively. Although they were different in their approach, the outcome was the same. They provided me a challenging, rewarding and engaging college soccer experience. My enjoyment and success in playing college soccer strengthened my desire to help create the same experience for others. My main objective is to help shape and challenge players to reach personal goals, pursue championships and achieve academic excellence.  Most importantly my goal is to engage the players on and off the field at a personal level.
 
When did you know you wanted to be a coach and how did you end up as an assistant coach at Drake in 2011?
Coach Smith: I've been coaching since I was a high school student in Tennessee, but it started even earlier with my parents involving me and encouraging me to give back to younger aged players. Teaching also is a passion of mine and the two interests aligned very early in my life and I never wanted anything else. The connection that brought me to Drake was a former Drake assistant who is the current executive director of Nebraska Soccer, Casey Mann. He introduced me to the program as I finished my master's degree and the path for me to become a Bulldog was established.
 
After two seasons at Drake, you became the head coach at Cumberland University where you had a successful three-year stint, including leading the program to its first NAIA national tournament. How did that time change your perspective on coaching?
Coach Smith: It was a proving ground for myself to run every facet of a program from top to bottom, create a winning program, improving in every way, every year (results, facilities, fundraising, community engagement and shaping the student athlete experience). Being a head coach at Cumberland was a time to put into motion what I had only had a hand in creating up to that point. My time at Cumberland was personally very beneficial and rewarding. Through the course of the three seasons, what the players, staff and administration were able to accomplish was very special.
 
After rejoining Drake in 2015, in what ways have you grown as a coach since your first time around with the Bulldogs?
Coach Smith: I have gained a clear understanding that my job is to provide the tools and framework necessary for our student-athletes to meet and exceed program standards. Difficult decisions are made on a daily basis in all aspects of a college soccer program and the outcomes of those decisions are heightened at the Division I level. The margin for error is very slim and the parity within the MVC and region is nearly equal. The experiences, small and large, that I have gained throughout my time at Drake, have equipped me to better serve the program day in and day out.
 
What drew you back to Drake?
Coach Smith: The challenge of Division I soccer and to be closer to family as my wife Stacey and I grow our own family. Having direct family in close proximity (Omaha, Neb. and Rochester, Minn.) means a lot to us. Also a major part of our decision was our love for Des Moines and Drake University, as we had a great experience during our first stint. The support of a terrific academic institution that is Drake University and the opportunity to work alongside Gareth Smith again were really exciting to us.
 
How would you describe your coaching style and philosophy?
Coach Smith: My goal and hope is that my players would describe me as passionate, honest and approachable. My coaching philosophy is centered around hard work, preparation and dedication to the players.
 
Who or what has influenced you to become the coach you are today?
Coach Smith: I had several idols and people I looked up to during my playing days and they became mentors of mine throughout my coaching career. Richie Grant, Head Coach at CSUB, was one of my first coaches when I was young and he is now a friend that I look up to for a variety of reasons but namely his principles as a coach and a family man. I was very lucky to have had terrific and successful role models during the early part of my coaching career.  
 
What are some similarities and differences between you and head coach Gareth Smith?
Coach Smith: Gareth and I have very similar traits in our passion for the game, although we are slightly different in our approach to teaching the game. We both embrace knowing our differences, but that is why I feel we work well together, bringing a good balance to the team.  
 
What do you like to do in your free time?
Coach Smith: My family enjoys being outside. We love to stay active with sports, hikes, biking and backyard fun. We are at our best when we are able to spend time together. With a growing family, our second child was born April 9 and our oldest is 2-and-a-half, my free time is spent helping my wife balance her real estate career with being a full-time Mom.
 
What adjustments have you made as a coach during the coronavirus situation?
Coach Smith: So much has changed as the virtual platform has taken over the day to day connection with the student-athletes. No one has experienced something of this magnitude that effects every aspect of everyone's daily existence. Something like this has never happened before and hopefully never again. The intentionality of planning the interaction with student-athletes is the biggest adjustment. Before the quarantine there was a natural meeting with players each day and I was able to talk in great detail about performance analysis, goals, academics, style of play, shape discussions, etc.  In today's world that discussion happens virtually or over the phone. Gareth implemented a systematic approach to stay connected with the players from a global standpoint, both players and staff are staying in contact throughout the week. We are adapting to the new norm on a daily basis, and getting creative with our weekly interaction.  
 
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Drake men's soccer program?
Coach Smith: Coaching college soccer is my passion and my chosen occupation. I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love and to have the support of my family to pursue my passion. Every part of being a college soccer coach is enjoyable as long as the goals and desired outcomes are met or gained. I enjoy working at Drake immensely, as I am surrounded by passionate and impressive young men that are choosing to pursue excellence on and off the field. It is very inspiring to be involved with the Drake University athletic department and I believe the future is very bright at Drake University.