2008 Woodie Awards
Smith hired as new coach
Blake Toppmeyer
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: Sports
Michael Smith is going to need some more purple ties.
Smith, with one of the two purple ties he owns tied tight around his neck, began a new era of Truman women's basketball Wednesday. He signed his $52,500 contract, which lasts through June 30, 2009, to become the Bulldogs' new head coach.
"It's a great day to be a Bulldog," Smith said during yesterday's press conference to announce his hiring. "I'm extremely excited about the opportunities currently here at Truman State University [and] things to look forward to in the future."
Smith fills the void that was created five weeks ago when John Sloop's contract was not renewed, which ended his eight-year reign as the women's head coach.
Smith joins Truman after spending two years at the Div. I University of Arkansas-Little Rock, where he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Prior to that, Smith was the head coach at Moberly Area Community College from 2002-06. Smith's record was 102-34 at Moberly, and he guided the Lady Greyhounds to two NJCCA tournament appearances.
"He's been around good people in women's basketball, and he's been very successful," Director of Athletics Jerry Wollmering said. "We think he'll bring to the program the recruiting experience that we're looking for and to be able to compete in the MIAA."
Wollmering said he had more than 90 applicants for the position. Smith was brought in April 12 as one of four finalists to interview on campus. During his visit, he had the chance to meet the team.
The three other finalists for the position were Lee Green, assistant coach at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Amy Eagan, head coach at NAIA St. Ambrose University (Iowa) from 2005-07, and Amanda Levens, assistant coach at the Div. I University of Nevada.
Wollmering said that during the hiring process he was seeking a coach with women's coaching experience, Div. II experience and good recruiting skills.
Smith worked for six years as an assistant coach and graduate assistant coach at the Div. II level before going to Moberly. He takes over a Bulldog team that finished 16-13 last season but just 7-11 in the MIAA. The women have not had a winning record in the conference since the 1999-00 season, the year before Sloop became head coach.
Smith, with one of the two purple ties he owns tied tight around his neck, began a new era of Truman women's basketball Wednesday. He signed his $52,500 contract, which lasts through June 30, 2009, to become the Bulldogs' new head coach.
"It's a great day to be a Bulldog," Smith said during yesterday's press conference to announce his hiring. "I'm extremely excited about the opportunities currently here at Truman State University [and] things to look forward to in the future."
Smith fills the void that was created five weeks ago when John Sloop's contract was not renewed, which ended his eight-year reign as the women's head coach.
Smith joins Truman after spending two years at the Div. I University of Arkansas-Little Rock, where he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Prior to that, Smith was the head coach at Moberly Area Community College from 2002-06. Smith's record was 102-34 at Moberly, and he guided the Lady Greyhounds to two NJCCA tournament appearances.
"He's been around good people in women's basketball, and he's been very successful," Director of Athletics Jerry Wollmering said. "We think he'll bring to the program the recruiting experience that we're looking for and to be able to compete in the MIAA."
Wollmering said he had more than 90 applicants for the position. Smith was brought in April 12 as one of four finalists to interview on campus. During his visit, he had the chance to meet the team.
The three other finalists for the position were Lee Green, assistant coach at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Amy Eagan, head coach at NAIA St. Ambrose University (Iowa) from 2005-07, and Amanda Levens, assistant coach at the Div. I University of Nevada.
Wollmering said that during the hiring process he was seeking a coach with women's coaching experience, Div. II experience and good recruiting skills.
Smith worked for six years as an assistant coach and graduate assistant coach at the Div. II level before going to Moberly. He takes over a Bulldog team that finished 16-13 last season but just 7-11 in the MIAA. The women have not had a winning record in the conference since the 1999-00 season, the year before Sloop became head coach.
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