June 25, 2007
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University women's soccer head coach Jerry Smith signed a new seven-year deal, Director of Athletics Dan Coonan announced Monday. The new deal ensures that Smith, who has achieved a 326-84-27 in 20 seasons at the helm of the program since taking the helm in 1987, will remain at the post through at least the 2013 season.
"We are so thrilled to have Jerry Smith re-signed for another seven seasons. Needless to say, he has steered this program to unprecedented heights, including a national championship and ten College Cup appearances," said Coonan. "He is an absolutely superb leader, coach and mentor. He obviously could have had his pick of any job in this field, so we are so appreciative of his continuing commitment to Santa Clara. We look forward to having him on the sidelines for many years to come."
Smith, 45, signed the seven-year agreement after leading the Broncos their ninth West Coast Conference title and collecting WCC Coach of the Year honors for the seventh time in his career. Over the course of his 20 years on the Mission Campus, Smith has led the Broncos to one national title (2001), one national runner-up finish (2002), 10 College Cup appearances, and 18 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances as well as top-10 final rankings in each of the past 18 years.
In 2005, Smith became the third Division I head coach to win 300 career games when the Broncos defeated the Saint Louis Billikens, 2-1, on Sept. 23, 2005. He has also produced 15 players that have gone on to play for the U.S. National team, including current stars Marian Dalmy, Leslie Osborne, and Aly Wagner. Additionally, Smith's tenure has also seen four players earn national player of the year recognition, with Honda Award winners Brandi Chastain (1990), Aly Wagner (2001), and Leslie Osborne (2005), and M.A.C. Hermann Trophy winners Mandy Clemens (1999) and Wagner (2002).
"First of all, I'm thankful for the opportunity to continue working at Santa Clara University," said Smith. "I've loved working here for the last 20 years and I'm looking forward to enjoying at least another six years. I want to thank the University for their continuing support for our women's soccer program.
"I'm looking forward to the many challenges that lie ahead for the program," Smith continued. "In addition to putting together the best staff in the country, I'm hoping to building a new soccer facility and win another national championship for the University. As always, my staff and I will strive to help our student-athletes be the absolute best that they can be on and off the field."
Smith began his coaching career at his alma mater, Homestead High School in Sunnyvale, Calif., where his boys' teams compiled a 69-29-12 record in seven seasons, including two consecutive league championships. Along with his head coaching responsibilities at Homestead, Smith also served as the assistant coach for Foothill College's men's team from 1982-86 in Los Altos Hills, Calif. He also had a one-year stint as Foothill's head women's coach in 1986. After obtaining his A.S. degree from Foothill in 1981, Smith earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Cal State Hayward in 1986.
He resides in Santa Clara with his wife and former U.S. National Team member Brandi Chastain, his 16-year-old son, Cameron, and the couple's year-old son Jaden Chastain Smith.