The University of Washington Huskies have acquired a new head coach, and he has local links.
UW Huskies coach leaves to become an assistant in the SEC.
Eddie Smith, an Olympia native, is joining Montlake after three years as Utah Valley’s coach.
The University of Washington confirmed Smith as the 25th coach in the Huskies’ baseball program history.
“Coach Eddie Smith is the ideal fit for Washington baseball,” athletic director Pat Chun stated. “Coach Smith is a leader, an excellent coach, and a proven winner. His roots go deep in the state of Washington, and he is well-versed in the university’s history and traditions.”
Smith joins UW after leading Utah Valley from 10-47 in 2021 to 34-23 in 2023, including a program-best 18 wins in WAC play this year.
“I could not be more excited to be the head baseball coach at the University of Washington,” Smith told me. “I’d like to thank Pat Chun and Jordan Betts, (UW baseball sport administrator), for their trust and believe in me to lead these young guys. This program provides everything a player may desire or need for their development, including the possibility to win championships. It will be a wonderful moment to build Husky baseball as we join the Big Ten, and our program will strive tirelessly to win titles.”
Got our guy ✅
Proud to announce @CoachEddieSmith as the 25th head coach in Husky baseball history!
>> https://t.co/FeRC6Aw6al pic.twitter.com/I8P20WMFyi
— Washington Baseball (@UW_Baseball) July 9, 2024
Smith, 40, formerly coached in Washington state from 2014 to 2017, leading the Lower Columbia Community College program in Longview. In 2015, he was named National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association after leading Lower Columbia to two NWAC championships.
Smith acquired a solid reputation in the college levels as a hitting instructor after playing infield at Notre Dame. He held that position at perennial powerhouse LSU in 2020 and 2021, as well as Tulane from 2018-19. He has served as an assistant at Virginia (2007-11), Santa Clara (2012), and Notre Dame (2013).
Smith also served as Tulane’s recruiting coordinator.
Jason Kelly, the previous Washington head baseball coach, left the Huskies late last month to become the pitching coach at Texas A&M.
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