Men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director Joe Smith, has announced his resignation from SUNY Morrisville after 15 years at the helm of the program. Smith departs Morrisville to pursue another administrative opportunity within intercollegiate athletics.
“First and foremost, we are incredibly proud and happy for Joe as he takes this next move,” said SUNY Morrisville Director of Athletics, Matt Grawrock.
“With the time and energy he has put into Morrisville and our men’s basketball program, saying thank you seems truly insufficient.
“Our program is recognized for success and excellence because of Joe Smith. He has put us on the map for New York basketball, and his run in the NCAA tournament, and most recent success this past year has elevated the program even further.
“He leaves Morrisville basketball in far better shape than he found it, and the future is truly bright for the team because of all the work he has done.”
Over the course of his career Smith collected an overall record of 233 wins and 143 losses in 14 seasons, appeared in five NCAA Division III Championship Tournaments, and was a three-time honoree as Coach of the Year.
Smith guided the Mustangs to a program historical run in back-to-back seasons, becoming the first team to reach the Sweet 16 in 2012-13, before making a run to the Elite 8 the following season as his squad took down several nationally ranked programs.
Under his direction, Morrisville captured five North Eastern Athletic Conference (now United East) Championship Titles, made nine total NEAC tournament appearances, and was the top seed in the North Atlantic Conference West Division Tournament this past season. His teams reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in 2011-12, appearing for three straight seasons, before returning to the tournament in 2016-17 and again 2018-19.
Smith was named the NEAC Coach of the Year twice during his time with the Mustangs, the first during 2011-12 and again in 2018-19, before receiving recognition from his peers this past season with NAC Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
During the Mustangs Sweet 16 run, Smith was acknowledged as the D3hoops.com East Region Coach of the Year, earning the program’s first national ranking in the D3hoops.com final poll, 20th overall.
The following season, Morrisville finished 16th in the overall poll among all Division III competitors.
His efforts on the sidelines with the Mustangs throughout his career garnered several post-season accolades for his student-athletes, including All-Conference, D3hoops.com All-East Region, NABC All-District and ECAC Upstate Division III All-Star recognition, while coaching several conference Rookie and Player of the Year honorees.
Aside from his duties on the court, Smith also served as a member of the department’s leadership team, fulfilling the role as assistant athletic director overseeing fundraising and event/game management.
“Off the court, he has been a trusted and respected member of our department. He has given so much to help other teams in making sure that each student-athlete at Morrisville has the best college experience possible. He’s been an invaluable member of the department and we will greatly feel his loss.
“While they are big shoes to fill, I know that we have a very appealing opportunity for our next head coach.
“Joe’s relentless efforts leaves a program that is ready to compete in the SUNYAC, and I’m confident that the next coach will have a sturdy platform to build and do even more than what we’ve accomplished so far.
“He has put so much professional effort into taking this step, and we are excited to see him flourish in his new role. It is a wonderful opportunity for him, and we truly wish him the best,” Grawrock said.
A national search for Smith’s replacement will begin immediately. Inquiries can be referred to the Director of Athletics, Matt Grawrock.
https://morrisvillemustangs.com/news/2024/7/19/basketball-m-smith-announces-resignation-from-suny-morrisville.aspx
Smith resigns as Head Basketball Coach at D3 SUNY Morrisville
