CALDWELL, Idaho – With a 1-0 win over Multnomah last season,
Brian Smith became the winningest coach in the history of The College of Idaho women's soccer program.
The shutout victory over the Lions gave Smith his 59th career win and moved him to the top of the C of I all-time list, a major accomplishment for the eighth-year head coach.
Only one problem - he didn't even know it initially.
"I honestly was told that happened after the game," Smith said. "My assistant coach
Gerry Scheetz told us all in our team huddle after the match. I suppose it means I've been doing this a long time."
He says none of the on the field success would have been possible without the efforts of everyone involved in the program over the years.
"Credit has to go to the players and coaches that have been a part of our amazing program," Smith said. "I am so very lucky to be in the position I am. Being able to work with amazing young women is a blessing, and the coaches that give so much of themselves for very little in return are unbelievable. The administration also supports us 100 percent."
Smith has been a head coach within the Coyote soccer program since 2004, starting his tenure by leading the men's team to an 82-64-14 record over the course of nine seasons.
In 2012, he would coach both the men's and women's teams at C of I, which started his eventual transition to taking over the women's program on a full-time basis.
"Coaching back-to-back games and practices every day really challenged me," Smith said. "Unless both teams won there was always an empty feeling. Trying to stay connected to all the players was more difficult than ever. I made the decision to move to the women's side, as I just felt it was the best decision for me and both programs. We knew after 2012 that taking both teams was not practical based on travel schedules. I decided I wanted to take on a new challenge."
The results speak for themselves since embarking on that new test.
"It was the best decision I ever made," Smith added.
Under the direction of Smith, the Yotes have gone 60-57-18, including qualifying for the postseason in six consecutive seasons.
A C of I student-athlete in his own right with the men's soccer team from 1990-93, he says he originally came to campus because of two key factors - one of which was the opportunity to continue playing for club soccer coach John Calpin.
The other contributing factor was the positive experiences that Smith's father, uncle and aunt had during their time as students at the school, with his dad playing football and participating in track and field events including the shot put and discus.
"My dad always spoke fondly of his time there, so it seemed to make sense," Smith said. "It was the best decision I could have made."
Smith would go on to play four seasons with the men's soccer program, tallying 11 goals and adding two assists, including six goals during his senior campaign in 1993. He was also a part of the 1990 and 1991 teams that won a combined 25 matches, where he was joined by current men's soccer head coach
Thom Baker, who played with Smith for all four years of their own collegiate careers.
Playing for Calpin during their time as Coyotes created a pathway directly into coaching.
"Coach Calpin helped shape a lot of people in his time at C of I, and I was certainly one of those," Smith said. "I got into coaching directly from John. As I was getting ready to graduate, he asked me if I wanted to do some coaching on the side for the club I played for, which was also the same club that he was the director of. For me, it was a chance to stay in the game I loved and make a little part-time money on the side."
The opportunity would turn into much more than that though, sparking what would turn into a career in coaching.
"I never thought at the time that it would turn into more than that," Smith said. "John was always a player's coach. He had a special bond with all of his players. He was tough on you, but also was a friend whenever you needed it. He taught more than just soccer. He helped young people become their best versions and I try to carry that message to the student-athletes I work with every day."
For the student-athletes within the program today, that approach has been one they appreciate.
"Smitty likes to push us to compete at our highest level and always expects the best from us," said goalkeeper
Kylee Atkins. "Even after he's done pushing us, he always knows how to make us smile or laugh with his terrible jokes."
His passion for the program is easy to see.
"Smitty has an unmatchable passion for the game," said midfielder
Cameron Coyle. "He is a great all-around person, and an even better coach, always wanting the best for his players in soccer and in life. If you see him around campus, make sure to tell him hello and ask about the Super Bowl in the jungle. It's a great story."
But the thing that stands out the most to many that have played for Smith is his ability to keep a balanced approach.
"He is really good about balancing the desire to win with the desire to take care of his players," said defender
Kaya Evans. "He understands that, for most girls, developing and sustaining a family while at the college is what's most crucial for long-term success."
Outside of his involvement with the Coyote soccer programs, Smith previously coached the Timberline High School boys' soccer team from 1999-2001 and the girls' soccer team from 2002-03, winning 5A Southern Idaho Conference Coach of the Year twice. He has also been heavily involved over the years with club soccer, including currently serving as a coach for the Boise Timbers/Thorns in the ECNL.
"Club soccer is a fun hat to wear," Smith said. "I enjoy helping young players go through their journey to find where they want to go to college. The club world is focused fully on development. I also get to see some of the best youth soccer in America coaching in the ECNL. Coaching teams that play against girls going to some of the best Division I programs in the country is a joy."
The passion for the sport is what drives him to stay so involved.
"Coaching is more than a job to me - it is a passion - and really, it's my hobby," Smith said. "I am blessed that I love what I do. I am addicted to the sport and enjoy what it represents and what it brings out in people."
