Lander University

James Smith returns to Lander for his second stint as an assistant coach. 

Smith last coached with the Bearcats in 2017 where he helped guide them to a 13-4-3 overall record and 6-0-1 conference record. The Bearcats won the PBC Tournament in 2017 and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Div. II Tournament.

Smith recently was active with the development of Carolina Velocity, a youth soccer club based in Raleigh, N.C. With the Carolina Velocity, Smith focused on player development. Smith was also a part of Greenville FC in 2018 and 2019 where he was coached by Squires.

Prior to joining Lander in 2017 Smith served as a graduate assistant at East Tennessee State University during the 2016 season.

During his time at ETSU, Smith helped guide the Buccaneers to a Southern Conference regular season title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Smith also served as a youth coach with the boys' and girls' programs for FC Dallas Tri. 

A four-year starter for Lander head coach Lee Squires at Lees-McRae from 2011-14, Smith started 60 matches and tallied 53 career points with 17 goals and 19 assists. He earned All-Conference, All-Region, and First Team Academic All-American honors at Lees-McRae. Smith played his final season at East Tennessee State, starting all 19 matches finishing with 19 points on seven goals and five assists. He was named the SoCon Player of the Month in September of 2015. 

Smith spent three seasons in the Premier Developmental League, playing for the Carolina Dynamo from 2013-14 and GPS Portland Phoenix in 2015. 

He has earned a bachelor's in sports science from Lees-McRae and a master's from ETSU.