SEWARD, Neb. – Most recently the assistant coach at NAIA member Lourdes University, Nick P. Smith has been tabbed the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Concordia University, Nebraska. Smith becomes the eighth head coach in the history of the program. He takes over an outfit that has won four GPAC championships since 2014.
Smith will officially begin his duties on March 20. He envisions leading a program that continues to hold itself to high standards from a standpoint of Christian values while contending for championships on the field.
Said Nick Smith, “I am delighted to be named the Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer Program here at Concordia University, Nebraska. My family and I cannot wait to get to Seward and are looking forward to joining the Bulldog Community. From the fantastic facilities on campus to the sustained levels of success in this program over the years, I believe we have an opportunity to build on those past successes and become a highly competitive program – one capable of routinely challenging for conference and national honors.”
The athletic leadership team identified Nick Smith as a rising young coach in the collegiate soccer circles. Director of Athletics Devin Smith said, “We are pleased to welcome Coach Nick Smith to the Bulldog Family. Nick possesses extensive soccer knowledge and experience and his vision aligns with that of the women’s soccer program, Bulldog Athletics, and Concordia University, Nebraska. We are confident in his abilities to serve as a strong Christian mentor, to recruit and develop players on the field and in the classroom, and to foster meaningful relationships throughout the campus and community.”
Originally from Whitehouse, Ohio, Nick Smith possesses extensive experience at the college and club levels. Smith had served Lourdes University since the summer of 2019 as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s soccer programs. In his one season with the women’s program, Smith helped the Gray Wolves break a school record for wins in a season and claim a victory at the conference tournament for the first time ever. In his assistant role, Smith involved himself in all aspects of the program, including training sessions, tactical breakdowns, recruiting, academic mentoring and lineup selections. The men’s program also broke its school record for wins in a season with Smith’s aid.
While simultaneously coaching college soccer, Smith lent his expertise as Associate Head Coach of Toledo Villa FC (2019-2023) and Director of Coaching/Staff Coach at Pacesetter Soccer Club (2021-2023). He assisted in the Pacesetter Soccer Club winning its first national championship. His experience also includes time spent as Head Coach of the Royal Oak FC (2020-2021) and collegiate stops at NCAA Division II Chaminade University (2016-2018) as Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach and University of Bridgeport (2012-13) as a graduate assistant.
As a collegiate student-athlete, Smith played at both Chaminade and Bridgeport and was a team captain for both programs. He went on to play in the USL League Two for the Indiana Invaders.
Smith owns Coaching/Scouting Licenses from the English FA and USSF and previously lent his knowledge as a soccer color commentator for Buckeye Cable Sport Network. In his professional career, Smith has also used his law degree as a practicing attorney.
Smith is a 2011 graduate of the University of Bridgeport with a degree in International Political Economy and Diplomacy. He earned a Juris Doctor degree in 2016 from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2016. Nick and his wife Marcy have two daughters, Ellis and Andi, and a German Shepard named Achilles.