Tracy Smith announced on Tuesday that she will retire at the end of the 2014 season.
SALEM, Ore. - Corban University head volleyball coach Tracy Smith announced on Tuesday afternoon that she has decided to retire from her position with the Warriors, effective at the conclusion of the 2014 season.
“I’m so thankful to have been invited back to Corban for another opportunity to serve as the volleyball coach,” said Smith. “The athletic department is on a great upswing and I believe the volleyball program will continue to benefit from the momentum.”
Smith will finish out her 20th year at the helm of Corban in 2014, with a number of fantastic accomplishments coming throughout her coaching career with the Warriors. During the 1997 campaign, she led Corban to a 31-10 overall record and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship. The 31 wins accumulated that season remain the program record for victories in a single season to this day. Smith also led the Navy and Gold to a third place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament in 1996 and a fourth-place finish in 1992.
“It goes without saying that Tracy has been the face of Corban Volleyball, coaching our team for 20 of the 40 years the program has been in existence,” stated Corban University Director of Athletics, Greg Eide. “During that time, she has been an outstanding ambassador for Corban University and a Christian mentor to hundreds of young ladies that have gone through our program. The lives that Tracy has touched is immeasurable and we can’t thank her enough for her impact. It will be exciting to see what the Lord has in store for Tracy and her family.”
During that special 1997 campaign, the Warriors finished tied for fifth place at the NAIA Regional Tournament. Corban also tied for fifth at the NAIA Regional Tournament in 2002 and 2004. Since the inception of the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Tournament, Smith led the Warriors to the CCC Tournament on eight occasions with a CCC Tournament Title coming during the 1997 season.
“Corban is a special place to my entire family, and we are grateful for the relationships here and their impact on our lives,” said Smith. “It’s been a privilege to serve alongside a wonderful staff and student-athletes. The support from the campus community and our fans has been amazing!”
Corban will begin a nationwide search for the next head volleyball coach immediately.