RIVER FOREST, ILL. – Concordia University Chicago and Interim Director of Athletics Kathy Gebhardt are pleased to announce the hiring of Matt Smith as the 17th head baseball coach, effective July 7, 2025.
"We're thrilled that Matt will be the new head baseball coach at CUC," Gebhardt noted. "As a Concordia–Chicago baseball alum, Matt cares deeply about this program and is determined to see it succeed. Likewise, we have the utmost confidence that Matt will elevate our baseball program to new heights through strong recruiting, excellent coaching, and providing a first-class student experience for our student-athletes."
"It's truly an honor and I'm looking forward to leading these young men, not just on the field, but in life," Smith noted of the promotion. "My goal is to build strong, lasting relationships that extend well beyond their four years at Concordia. Serving as the full-time assistant for the past four seasons has shown me that God's plan for me to lead this program is real. I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back to a university and program that has given me so much."
Smith initially joined the Cougar staff in the fall of 2021 and has been instrumental in developing some of the most competitive and record-setting pitching staffs in recent program history, while helping to guide the Cougars to three NACC Tournament appearances (2022, 2023, 2025). As the primary pitching coach, Smith's staff has accumulated over 50 wins out of the bullpen and produced six NACC All-Conference pitchers, two CSC Academic All-District honorees, and one NACC Pitcher of the Week. His pitching units have set multiple team records including two seasons ranked in the top ten for total strikeouts, three seasons ranked for most strikeouts per nine inning game, two seasons ranked for most saves, and one season ranked for most shutouts. Several pitchers have reached individual program milestones under his guidance including Westin Stutzman, Wyatt McLaughlin, Eliot Higgins, Jack Linko, and Dylan Ferraro who have all broken into the historic CUC Baseball Record Book.
"There are so many people who have shaped me into the coach I am today," Smith said. "First and foremost, my wife's unwavering support over the past 11 years has been incredible. I'm also deeply thankful for Steve Diversey (Streamwood High School), who gave me my first head coaching job and trusted me as a pitching coach. Nelson Gord and Mike Hennessey (Notre Dame College Prep) for their support far beyond the field. Jim Paduch (Tampa Bay Rays), whose 22-year long friendship continues to challenge and inspire me. Spencer Allen (Northwestern University), whose true leadership has showed me how to balance coaching and family life. Nick Bridich (Loyola Academy), who taught me how to make coaching a family affair and bring loved ones into the baseball community. But it all started with my dad and grandpa – they introduced me to the game, spent countless hours hitting groundballs, throwing BP, and talking baseball. Their love of baseball became mine, and now, I want to pass that on to the next generation of Cougars."
Smith brings a deep passion for pitching development, arm care, and competitive culture. His coaching style emphasizes data-informed instruction, individualized development plans, and a relentless work ethic. Since joining the staff, the Cougar pitching has seen significant upgrades including the use of electronic pitch communication and a designated plyo wall.
"My love for coaching and the game deepened during my playing days with the Cougars, especially when I realized my time as a player was limited," Smith said. "Despite those early years, I took on many responsibilities, but two that really ignited my passion were recruiting and working with the bullpen. Experiencing both the successes and failures in those areas fueled my competitive spirit and desire to coach. I vividly remember one moment during my final year as a GA, cutting the infield grass where coaches do their best thinking, and telling myself 'one day, I'll be the head coach of this program'.
After a short stint in the business world, Smith chose to pursue his passion for teaching and coaching. He began his coaching journey right here at Concordia University Chicago as the graduate assistant from 2008-2010 before expanding his coaching resume at several high school programs across Illinois, including Streamwood, Maine West, Notre Dame College Prep, Loyola Academy, St. Francis, and IC Catholic prep before rejoining the CUC staff as the Head Assistant and Pitching Coach in July of 2021. His various stops over the last 13 years has built his reputation as a forward-thinking and committed leader and has made him a trusted resource among players and coaches throughout the region.
"I want to thank the administration, President Russell Dawn and Vice President Kathy Gebhardt, for trusting me with this opportunity. I'm honored to be the face of Cougar Baseball for all past, present, and future players. I also want to thank Kolin Conner for entrusting me with the pitchers over the past four seasons – your confidence and leadership have not only shaped my growth but also paved the way for this next chapter, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity. Our program will be built on four core values: Teamwork, Honor, Optimism, and Relentless effort. These principles will guide us both on and off the field. Baseball is about more than wins and losses, it's about shaping young men into leaders. We'll give thanks to the Lord not only in tough times, but also in moments of success, recognizing that every opportunity to play this great game is a blessing."
A proud alum of Concordia University Chicago, Smith earned a bachelor's degree in business in 2007 and a master's degree in education in 2011 after serving the baseball program as a graduate assistant. As a player, he enjoyed a successful four-year pitching career primarily as a closer where he still appears in the Cougar Baseball record book in several categories.