BANNER ELK, N.C. – Lees-McRae College Director of Athletics and Club Sports
Ed Winters announced the addition of Mike Smith as the head men's volleyball coach. Smith recently served as the head volleyball coach at Mars Hill University and holds a distinguished coaching tenure.
"We are thrilled to welcome Mike to Lees-McRae," said Winters. "Mike's extensive coaching experience, proven record of success, and commitment to developing student-athletes make him an outstanding fit for our men's volleyball program. We are confident that his vision, integrity, and passion for the game will elevate our program and provide an exceptional experience for our student-athletes."
At Mars Hill, Smith held a record of 86-63 and led the Lions to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament in 2021. Smith mentored 17 all-conference players, four all-region selections, and two All-America honors. Smith also oversaw the South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year, South Atlantic Conference International Woman of the Year, and was a member of the NCAA Division II Southeast Region All-Region and All-America committee.
"I would like to thank President King and
Ed Winters for their belief in me to lead these young men at Lees-McRae College," said Smith. "My family and I are grateful for this opportunity, and I will strive to help Bobcat Athletics with the utmost integrity."
Prior to Mars Hill, Smith led the Lincoln Memorial volleyball program for 17 years where he led the Railsplitters to an impressive 351-215 overall record. At LMU, Smith led them to three consecutive NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament appearances in 2008, 2009, 2010. Smith coached 16 all-conference players and four all-region selections. Smith also saw seven of his athletes inducted into the Lincoln Memorial Athletics Hall of Fame.
Smith was inducted into Lincoln Memorial's Hall of Fame in 2019 and was the Associate Athletic Director in Harrogate, Tennessee from 2011 to 2020. Smith was a member of the LMU athletics administrative team, a member of the South Atlantic Conference COVID-19 Task Force. He also served on the NCAA Regional Advisory Committee for men's soccer, men's golf, and men's tennis.
"The vision for this program and Lees-McRae as a whole is one of immense promise, and it's a great time to be in Banner Elk," said Smith. "The future is certainly bright, and I'm very excited to be at the forefront of it!"
Smith graduated from Lincoln Memorial in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in athletic training and health sciences. Smith also earned his master's degree in education with a concentration in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial. He also received his Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management in 2020.
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