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News Release

Kerry Smith Named Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at UMBC

6/8/2009

Kerry Smith

BALTIMORE—UMBC head women’s soccer coach Alyssa Radu today announced the hiring of Kerry Smith as assistant coach. Smith joins the Retrievers after two years at Virginia Military Institute.

“We are very excited to have Kerry come on board here at UMBC,” Radu said. “I think her experience and passion for the game will aid us as we continue to build the type of program that will find success both on and off the field. Her experience in recruiting and knowledge of what Division I soccer is all about are only two of the reasons that I thought she was the best candidate for this position.

“One of her primary roles will be recruiting, and I think we have very similar philosophies that will allow us to bring the best student-athletes to UMBC. I also think our goalkeepers will receive the type of training and development that will allow them to reach their full potential.”

Smith helped the Keydets to their most successful season ever in 2008, when they posted the program’s most overall wins (10), most conference wins (5) and first-ever postseason victory. VMI was listed as one of the top 25 most improved Division I teams in the nation, jumping from eighth in the Big South standings (1-7-0) in 2007 into a tie for second (5-3-1) in 2008.

As the goalkeepers’ coach, Smith saw the Keydets establish new school records in shutouts (6), save percentage (.819) and goals-against average (1.30) for the second straight season.

Smith has also served as the head coach for the Plantation (Fla.) Eagles Soccer Club, working with several age groups during her tenure there, and she has worked with a number of soccer camps at top-level college programs in both coaching and directing roles, as well.

“I would like to thank Coach Radu and Dr. Brown for sharing their vision of the UMBC women’s soccer program,” Smith said. “I feel this is a program with lots of potential, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to help Alyssa reach that vision.”

Smith was a four-year letterwinner at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. She also played for the Miami Kickers of the Women’s Professional Soccer League in 2007.

A native of Leeds, England, Smith has played soccer at the highest level with Leeds United Ladies and the Doncaster Belles of the English Premier League.

Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Nova Southeastern in 2006.