Winthrop hires new women's soccer coach

By Karl Lyles - The Herald

The Winthrop athletics department announced today the hiring of Spencer Smith as the new women’s soccer coach. Smith comes to Winthrop after 15 years as the men’s soccer coach at Radford University. He replaces Melissa Heinz, who was the school’s first women’s soccer coach.

Smith compiled a record of 136-139-30 at Radford. His win total was third in the Big South Conference among active men’s soccer coaches and fourth in the 26-year history of the league. The veteran coach led Radford to its two NCAA Tournaments in 1999 and 2000.

Smith has coached two athletes that have won Big South Player of the Year honors. Three of his former players were named to NCSAA all-region teams. A total of 30 players have been named to one of the Big South post-season all-conference teams under Smith’s guidance.

Smith inherited a Radford program in 1994 that finished 4-13-3 the previous season and was shut out eight times, the worst mark in the program’s Division I history. With 15 freshmen and sophomores, the Highlanders got off to a 3-0-2 start and finished 6-1 in Big South regular season play. Smith earned Big South Coach of the Year honors. He won the award a second time in 1999.

He takes over a Winthrop women’s soccer program that finished the 2009 season with a 5-10-6 mark. The Eagles scored 15 goals. Five of the nine players that scored last year were freshmen.

Heinz’ contract was not renewed at the conclusion of the season. She left with a 53-68-17 career record at Winthrop.

Smith, a 1987 graduate of the University of Tennessee, was a four-year starter for the Volunteers. He was captain as a junior and senior. Smith also earned most valuable player honors in 1986. Following college, his professional career took him to Sheffield, England and included training with Sheffield United F.C., as well as time with Stannington Village F.C.