NASHUA, NH - The Rivier University Athletics Department has announced that Jimmy Smith will be the next Head Coach of the Raiders baseball team.
"I am excited to welcome Coach Smith to the Rivier Athletics family," said Director of Athletics Jonathan Harper, "The search committee quickly recognized his passion for student-athlete development and recruiting," he continued, "Jimmy's experience as a student-athlete and a coach translates well into our baseball community, and the Raider baseball team is energized for the new era of Rivier baseball," Jonathan concluded.
"I would like to thank Jonathan Harper, the search committee, and the campus community for giving me this opportunity to be the next Head Baseball Coach at Rivier," Coach Smith said, "I cannot wait to take this next step in my career and build a strong foundation and winning culture on and off the field for our baseball program," Coach concluded.
Coach Smith will be moving from his Assistant Coaching position at Wheaton College, where he has been since 2016. While at Wheaton, he was in charge of their offense as their hitting and third base coach. Coach Smith was promoted to the team's Recruiting Coordinator in 2018. During his tenure, Coach Smith assisted Wheaton in two NEWMAC Championships ('21, '22), four Regional Appearances ('17, '19, '21, '22) with two Regional Championships ('19, '21), and two College World Series Appearances ('17, '21).
Coach Smith was a four-year student-athlete for Wheaton's baseball program, with his final year coming in 2016. As a player, he saw his stats increase year after year, with his senior season being the best with a .322 batting average, 20 RBIs, and 55 hits. Coach's career saw him in the 100-hit club with 120 hits, 43 RBIs, and a career batting average of .294. During his four seasons with the Lyons, Coach won two NEWMAC Championships ('13, '16) and was named to First Team All-Conference his senior season.
Graduating in 2016, Coach Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Wheaton College. Coach Smith added, "I would also like to thank all my former coaches, players, and teammates for assisting me through the early stages of my coaching career. Especially Eric Podbelski, who helped me to grow and develop into the coach I am today."