Athletic Director, Lori Frey is looking forward to this new chapter in Phoenix athletics. According to Frey, “This is a very exciting time for growth within our athletic department and the college. We are excited about the addition of men’s basketball and to welcome Coach Smith to our department. He is a motivated and passionate individual, who will build a solid foundation for our men’s basketball program. Miles also brings a high standard of excellence that will allow him to recruit basketball players that will strive for both academic and athletic success.”
Prior to taking the helm at Wilson, Smith spent one year at The College of New Jersey. As an assistant coach, he was responsible for player development, scouting, game day preparation and management, and recruiting of potential athletes for the Lions.
Smith also spent three seasons as an assistant basketball coach at Mercer County Community College, where he was involved in all aspects of the program, including player development and recruitment, and providing academic support for student-athletes. In 2010, he helped coach the Vikings to the Region 19 Championship and an appearance in the NJACC National Tournament.
Coach Smith is a 2009 graduate of Johnson State College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology/ Sociology. Prior to Johnson State, Smith also attended Mercer County Community College where he graduated with an associated degree in Liberal Arts in 2005. Smith was a four year starter throughout his collegiate career, and was named team captain and President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during his senior year at Johnson State.
Smith is excited about the opportunity to build a program from the ground up and will focus on creating a family oriented environment that encourages student-athletes to learn and develop on and off the basketball court.
“I am extremely honored, and humbled that Athletic Director, Lori Frey and Wilson College have given me the opportunity to start a men’s basketball program for Wilson College,” said Smith. “I look forward to recruiting and working with student-athletes who are committed to hard work and effort both in the classroom and on the basketball court.”
Coach Smith recognizes and embraces the broader picture of coaching student-athletes and will strive to build the program around hard work, academic excellence, and providing his athletes with an experience that will lead to success in their lives after Wilson College. “The goal is to win games but I am an educator first. The development of student-athletes on and off the court is my top priority,” said Smith.
The Wilson College athletic department is pleased to name Miles Smith Jr. as the first head coach of its men’s basketball program. Starting in the 2014-15 academic year, the new program will begin competition in the NCAA Division III and the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC), and will be the second sport offered for Wilson’s male student-athletes. Coach Smith will have a full year to recruit in preparation for intercollegiate competition.
Smith has also accepted a position in Wilson’s admissions department, and will serve as a fulltime admissions recruiter for the College.
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