AUBURN, Ala. – With extensive experience recruiting top-10 classes combined with developing programs into national competitors, Keith Smith joins Auburn volleyball as an assistant coach. Head coach Brent Crouch announced the staff addition on Thursday.
Since 2018, Smith served as a recruiting coordinator and assistant coach for Grand Canyon University men's volleyball program. During his tenure, Smith developed unranked GCU into a consistent top-10 powerhouse, including the program's highest national ranking of No. 6 during the 2021 season.
"I am thrilled to welcome Keith to our staff and to Auburn," Crouch said. "He brings a depth of experience in both player development and recruiting and has coached across a variety of levels – USA National Team development programs and men's and women's NCAA DI volleyball. Most importantly, he has been a part of building a program from the ground up at GCU – both as a player and a coach. He is a winner, simply put. In addition to general duties, he will specialize in setter development and offensive systems."
During his tenure at GCU, Smith helped the program to 19 victories over top-15 opponents, including upsetting No. 1 BYU in straight sets. Smith also recently helped recruit the No. 8 ranked class in the country.
Smith aided in the development of two All-American athletes in outside hitters Christian Janke and Camden Gianni. Gianni went on to compete on the USA Men's National Team in the 2021 NORCECA Championships.
His coaching efforts earned Smith national recognition as he was selected as a 2021 AVCA 30 Under 30 award winner, which highlights the top coaches around the country under the age of 30.
Smith was in his second tenure at GCU as he also served as a volunteer assistant for the program during the 2016 season.
Smith also served as the assistant coach of the Providence College women's volleyball team in 2017, helping the Friars to its first winning record since 2007. As part of the staff, he helped Providence to its best start in program history with 11 consecutive wins.
Last summer, Smith served as an assistant coach for the USA Volleyball Men's National Team. Smith coached the team during a world championship qualifying event, helping the team place fifth. Smith has also worked with USA Volleyball youth national team development camps.
Smith turned in a record-setting playing career at Grand Canyon. During his time with the program, Smith recorded 4,484 assists to set the program's career record. In addition to ranking first in assists in the GCU record book, Smith's 1,294 assists in 2013 rank eighth in NCAA history during the 25-point scoring era.
Following his collegiate career, Smith played professionally overseas with Orion TopVolley in the Netherlands. As setter, Smith helped the team to top-four finishes in the regular season, playoffs and the national club tournament. With Smith's help, the team returned to the CEV Challenge Cup during the 2015-16 season after missing out during the 2014-15 season.
