Coconino News

Northern Arizona University (NAU) Athletics has announced the appointment of Dustin Smith as the new Associate Head Coach for their women's soccer team. The announcement was made by Alan Berrios, the head coach of NAU's women's soccer team.

"We are excited to welcome Dustin to the Lumberjack family. He brings a ton of experience and a wealth of knowledge to our program. Dustin is a proven coach who has enjoyed success at multiple levels within the women's game," Berrios stated. "I have known Dustin for many years, and I am confident he will be successful with Chris and I here at NAU. Dustin has a passion for the women's game, and he has the ability to adjust to the modern day athlete."

Smith joins NAU after an impressive tenure at the University of West Florida, where he compiled a record of 47-10-5 over three seasons impacted by COVID-19. His achievements include three consecutive NCAA appearances, two regular-season conference championships, and numerous All-American recognitions.

Smith previously worked with Grand Valley State in Michigan as part of their National Coaching Staff of the Year in 2019. During his time there, he contributed to their 25-1 record and national championship victory that year.

Before Michigan, Smith spent nine years at Florida Tech. As head coach, he led them to their first Sunshine State Conference title in 2017 and an NCAA Tournament berth.

"I wish to thank Coach Berrios, the rest of the coaching staff and the athletic administration for trusting in my abilities to help bring my unique experiences to Flagstaff," Smith expressed his gratitude upon joining NAU. "I feel humbled and excited to contribute to an already successful culture that has been created and look forward to becoming a Lumberjack."

Smith began his coaching career as an assistant at Coastal Carolina, leading them to two Big South Conference Regular Season Championships in 1999 and 2000.

In addition to his collegiate achievements, Smith has also coached club teams such as FC America, Space Coast United, Orlando City ECNL program, FC Prime - Brevard ECNL program, and Midwest United DA which won a national championship in 2019.