BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- On Monday, June 16, Moravian College Head Women's Soccer Coach Brienne Smith resigned her position after four years as the Greyhounds' mentor to become the head coach at Clark (Mass.) University, her alma mater.
"As the cliché goes - 'our loss is their gain' - and that certainly applies here," stated Director of Athletics Scot Dapp. "Brie has done a great job in the short time she has been here and she will be missed. Fortunately, she has her program on solid footing and I expect to see our women's soccer team continue to forge ahead. I wish Brie nothing but success as she moves to a new chapter in her life."
Smith led the Hounds to a spot in the Landmark Conference Tournament in each of her four seasons in Bethlehem with the squad reaching the Landmark Championship match in 2012. The 2012 squad also made an appearance in the ECAC Division III South Quarterfinals, finishing with a 10-9-2 record as Smith earned Landmark Coaching Staff of the Year honors. She had a four-year record of 28-43-9 and was 11-10-3 in Landmark action. Moravian also captured three National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Awards during her tenure, and Smith coached 13 Landmark-All-Conference honorees with six First Team selections. She also mentored the Landmark Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year in 2012.
"This is one of the most difficult decisions I have made in my professional career," stated Smith. "I am obviously excited to return to my alma mater and to be back in Massachusetts with my family and friends. However, I am extremely sad to say goodbye to the amazing people I have been fortunate to work with over the past four years. As hard as it is, I take solace in the fact that this program is in a very good place. There is a lot of talent and even more pride and determination within this group. They are committed to success and I feel strongly that the future is very bright for Moravian women's soccer. I want to thank Coach Dapp and Coach (Mary Beth) Spirk for their outstanding guidance and support. I know that I am a better coach and person because of my experiences here at Moravian, and I will always be grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful college community."
Smith is a 2001 graduate of Clark, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in education. She completed a Master of Science in physical education at Bridgewater State (Mass.) College in 2007. Smith has also earned a national diploma from the NSCAA.
Moravian will begin an immediate search to fill the position before the preseason starts in August.
