With extensive experience recruiting top-10 classes combined with developing programs into national competitors, Keith Smith joined Auburn volleyball as an assistant coach in the Spring of 2022.
Smith’s leadership guided Auburn to a historic season in 2022. The Tigers racked up 22 victories, the most in the rally-scoring era and the most since 1998, to earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history. A first-round win over host and No.14 Creighton gave Auburn its postseason win in school history.
Mentoring setters Jackie Barrett and Jordan Sinness, Smith helped each reach new heights. Barrett became the sixth Auburn setter to reach 1,000 assists in a single season and her 9.97 assists per set were a career-best. Twice the SEC recognized the California native as Setter of the Week.
Prior to Auburn, Smith served as a recruiting coordinator and assistant coach for Grand Canyon University’s 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.
Smith helped the program to 19 victories over top-15 opponents, including upsetting No. 1 BYU in straight sets. Smith also 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, also serving 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.
Smith also has experience 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.
Smith’s leadership guided Auburn to a historic season in 2022. The Tigers racked up 22 victories, the most in the rally-scoring era and the most since 1998, to earn a berth to the NCAA Tournament for just the second time in program history. A first-round win over host and No.14 Creighton gave Auburn its postseason win in school history.
Mentoring setters Jackie Barrett and Jordan Sinness, Smith helped each reach new heights. Barrett became the sixth Auburn setter to reach 1,000 assists in a single season and her 9.97 assists per set were a career-best. Twice the SEC recognized the California native as Setter of the Week.
Prior to Auburn, Smith served as a recruiting coordinator and assistant coach for Grand Canyon University’s 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.
Smith helped the program to 19 victories over top-15 opponents, including upsetting No. 1 BYU in straight sets. Smith also 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, also serving 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.
Smith also has experience 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.